By Independent News Roundup
The remarks come as scrutiny grows over the city’s handling of illegal immigration following the fatal subway killing of an elderly Air Force veteran.
83-year-old Richard Williams died after he was pushed onto the tracks by an illegal alien in an unprovoked attack.
Mayor Targets Federal Enforcement
Speaking at a news conference on public safety, Mamdani said he has raised his concerns directly with President Donald Trump.
“We’re making clear that no one is above the law in this city, that everyone has to follow the rule of law,” Mamdani said.
“I have made clear to the president, both in our private conversations and our public conversations, about the fact that I believe that ICE is a rogue agency.”
He went further, arguing the agency should be dismantled entirely.
“I’ve also been public about my belief that ICE is an entity that should be abolished,” Mamdani said.
He continued by claiming that ICE is “reckless” and “delivers nothing toward the furthering of the cause of public safety.”
Silence on High-Profile Killing Raises Questions
Mamdani’s comments come as questions mount following the killing of Air Force vet Richard Williams, who died after being shoved onto subway tracks by a suspect identified as an illegal alien from Honduras.
Reporters did not press the mayor on the case during the event, and Mamdani has not publicly addressed the killing.
The suspect, Bairon Posada-Hernandez, 34, has reportedly been deported from the United States four times, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
However, he was allowed to roam free in NYC under the city’s “sanctuary” policies.
ICE Detainer Uncertainty Under Sanctuary Policies
It remains unclear whether Posada-Hernandez will be turned over to federal immigration authorities.
A spokesperson for the New York City Department of Corrections said the agency processes ICE detainers “consistent with local law,” which significantly limits cooperation with federal enforcement.
Under current city policy, ICE is only notified if:
• A judicial warrant is issued
• The individual has a qualifying recent conviction for a serious or violent crime
That framework has drawn criticism from federal officials, who argue it allows repeat offenders to remain in the country.
DHS officials said Posada-Hernandez “NEVER should have been able to walk our streets and harm innocent Americans,” and urged city leaders not to release him.
Mayor Backs Anti-ICE Protests
Mamdani also voiced support for the Soros-funded anti-Trump “No Kings” protests scheduled in Manhattan.
The mayor framed the highly organized rallies as a way for residents to push back against federal immigration enforcement.
“I think that rallies are an incredibly effective way for New Yorkers to both organize together and make it clear what their vision is,” he said.
He added that such demonstrations help people recognize they are “not in the minority” in opposing ICE operations.
Growing Divide Over Immigration Policy
The clash underscores a widening divide between the Trump administration and sanctuary jurisdictions like New York City.
While federal officials continue pushing for stronger enforcement and cooperation, local leaders such as Mamdani are doubling down on policies that limit ICE’s reach.
It raised ongoing questions about public safety, accountability, and the role of federal law in major U.S. cities.
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