New York City, November 19, 2025
Tom Homan, the White House border czar, announced plans to ramp up federal immigration enforcement in New York City, following a recent ICE raid. City officials, including Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul, oppose this decision, emphasizing the importance of immigrant rights and the unnecessary nature of federal intervention. The move is part of a broader trend of increasing immigration enforcement in major U.S. cities during the Trump administration, raising concerns about the impact on immigrant communities and public safety.
New York City
Federal Immigration Enforcement to Increase in New York City
Tom Homan, the White House border czar, announced plans to intensify federal immigration enforcement in New York City. This decision follows a recent high-profile raid by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents targeting Manhattan street vendors. Homan cited New York’s sanctuary city status and public safety concerns as reasons for the increased operations, although he did not provide a specific timeline.
City and State Officials Respond
New York officials, including Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul, have expressed opposition to the federal government’s plans. Mamdani’s spokesperson emphasized the importance of protecting immigrants’ rights, while Hochul reaffirmed state cooperation with law enforcement but stated that federal intervention is unnecessary.
Background Context
The Trump administration has been increasing immigration enforcement in major U.S. cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. In February 2025, Homan and New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a collaboration to strengthen immigration enforcement, including reopening an ICE office on Rikers Island to target undocumented immigrants accused of crimes.
Additionally, in August 2025, Homan indicated that ICE operations would ramp up in sanctuary cities nationwide, including New York, Seattle, and Portland, due to these cities’ refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. These developments highlight the ongoing tension between federal immigration enforcement efforts and local policies aimed at protecting immigrant communities.
FAQ
What is the recent announcement regarding immigration enforcement in New York City?
Tom Homan, the White House border czar, announced plans to increase federal immigration enforcement in New York City, citing the city’s sanctuary status and public safety concerns.
How have New York officials responded to this announcement?
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul have expressed opposition, emphasizing the importance of protecting immigrants’ rights and stating that federal intervention is unnecessary.
What is the background of this situation?
The Trump administration has been increasing immigration enforcement in major U.S. cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. In February 2025, Homan and New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a collaboration to strengthen immigration enforcement, including reopening an ICE office on Rikers Island to target undocumented immigrants accused of crimes.
What are sanctuary cities?
Sanctuary cities are jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, aiming to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation.
What are the potential implications of increased federal immigration enforcement in New York City?
The increased enforcement could lead to heightened tensions between federal authorities and local officials, as well as concerns about the impact on immigrant communities and public safety.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Announcement | Tom Homan plans to increase federal immigration enforcement in New York City. |
| City Response | Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul oppose the plan, emphasizing immigrant rights. |
| Background | The Trump administration has been increasing immigration enforcement in major U.S. cities, including New York. |
| Sanctuary Cities | Sanctuary cities limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants. |
| Implications | Increased enforcement could lead to tensions between federal and local authorities and impact immigrant communities. |
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