New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani criticized the federal government on Monday for actions he describes as violent and terrorizing against immigrant communities. He made these remarks during an announcement about a lawsuit being filed by him and five other sanctuary jurisdictions against the Trump administration. The lawsuit challenges a new rule that broadens the criteria immigration officials use to determine if immigrants might become reliant on government assistance.
“The federal government has waged a campaign of violence and terror,” Mamdani stated. “ICE has intruded into our neighbors’ homes, workplaces, and schools. They target those who seek refuge and opportunity here. These actions threaten our civic fabric and shared values, and despite the harm already caused, it continues.”
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Mamdani credited immigrants with building and sustaining New York City. He emphasized their contributions to infrastructure and public services. “Immigrants from all over the world drive our buses, teach our children, and care for us when we are sick,” he said. “They have fought for a fair workday and protections that bring dignity to many lives.”
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The city leads a coalition with Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Santa Clara County, and King County to challenge the stricter public charge rule. This rule, starting on Friday, expands how officers assess noncash benefits like Medicaid and SNAP to determine if an immigrant may become a public charge. The previous guidelines from 2022 narrowed officers’ discretion to consider only cash benefits like SSI and TANF.
According to USCIS, the rule aims to ensure immigrants are “self-reliant and not dependent” on taxpayer-funded benefits. Mamdani described this change as “gross illegality” causing “irreparable damage.” “This effort aims to strip New Yorkers of critical services and benefits,” he said. “Families fear using essential programs like SNAP and Medicaid, fearing it might lead to future denials by immigration officials.”
Protesters take over the lobby of a Manhattan hotel during an anti-ICE demonstration. New York City is leading a legal challenge with Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Santa Clara County, and King County over changes to the public charge rule.
USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler stated the move aims to protect American taxpayers from subsidizing those who may rely heavily on public benefits. DHS did not immediately comment on the situation.