Trump Administration Plans Intensified Immigration Enforcement in New York City Despite Local Opposition

The Trump administration is currently conducting immigration operations in New York City and plans to intensify these efforts in the near future.

Washington:

On Tuesday, White House border czar Tom Homan announced intentions to escalate federal immigration enforcement activities in New York City, following a notable raid targeting Manhattan street vendors conducted by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents a month earlier.

Speaking on Fox News' "America's Newsroom" program, Homan stated, "I plan on being in New York City in the near future. We're going to do operations in New York City."

He further explained, "We will increase the enforcement presence in New York City. Again, because they're a sanctuary city and there are public safety threats hitting the streets every day."

Homan did not specify when this increased enforcement would commence. When contacted, the US Department of Homeland Security, which oversees immigration operations, did not immediately provide a response.

Dora Pekec, spokesperson for New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, responded via email: "New York City's more than three million immigrants are central to our city's strength, vitality, and success. The mayor-elect remains steadfast in his commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of every single New Yorker and upholding our sanctuary laws."

Jess D'Amelia, representing New York Governor Kathy Hochul, stated that the state will continue collaborating with local and federal law enforcement to enforce its laws and safeguard New Yorkers. She emphasized, "As Governor Hochul has made clear, federal intervention is not wanted or needed."

Homan's announcement follows a report by The New York Times last week indicating that the Trump administration is investigating the potential use of a Coast Guard facility on Staten Island to detain migrants.

Republican President Donald Trump has initiated an aggressive immigration crackdown targeting major US cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC. The White House maintains that its immigration enforcement is focused on anti-crime initiatives.

Governor Hochul and Mayor-elect Mamdani previously discussed the possibility of an ICE surge in New York, the nation's most populous city, during their meeting last week. According to a readout of that meeting, they concurred that such an enforcement surge would not enhance public safety.

A spokesperson for current New York City Mayor Eric Adams did not immediately respond to requests for comment.