Mamdani calls Minneapolis immigration enforcement ‘horrific’ amid outrage over federal tactics

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani sharply criticized the federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, calling it “horrific” just one day before a second US citizen in less than a month was fatally shot by a federal agent deployed to the city.

In an interview with ABC News’ “This Week”, Mamdani said Americans are being asked to ignore what is plainly visible as images and videos from Minneapolis continue to circulate nationwide.

“It is horrific what we have seen there,” Mamdani told anchor Jonathan Karl. “Too many Americans are being asked not to believe their own eyes, not believe their own ears, not believe their own realities.”

‘Cruel and inhumane’, Mayor says of ICE raids

Mamdani described the immigration raids in Minneapolis as fundamentally at odds with public safety, accusing federal authorities of instilling fear rather than enforcing the law responsibly.

“These ICE raids, they are cruel. They are inhumane. They do nothing to serve the interests of public safety,” he said, adding that he has directly communicated his concerns to Donald Trump.

The comments aired Sunday but were recorded Friday, during Mamdani’s first major Sunday show appearance since taking office earlier this month, as tensions over federal immigration enforcement tactics, inflamed by recent fatal shootings in Minneapolis, continue to draw nationwide scrutiny.

Warning against similar operations in New York

Before tensions escalated further following Saturday’s fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, the second US citizen killed by a federal agent in less than a month, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani made clear that he would actively resist any attempt to carry out similar enforcement actions in New York City.

“We know the fear that people in Minneapolis are living with,” Mamdani said. “It’s a fear New Yorkers also live with- a fear of being terrorized.”

“I will do everything in my power to ensure that we do not see that take place in New York City,” he added.

An immigrant and naturalized US citizen himself, Mamdani condemned the deployment of masked federal agents in public spaces and residential areas.  

“You have masked agents terrorizing people in their homes, in their cars, out on the street,” he said. “You’re seeing a loss of what it means to feel safe in your own country. That should alarm all of us.”

When asked how he would prevent similar federal operations in New York, Mamdani said the city has a range of legal and political tools at its disposal.  

“We’re going to exhaust every option to protect New Yorkers,” he said. “Our values and our laws are not bargaining chips. We will defend them because we’re proud of them.”

Despite his sharp criticism of the administration’s immigration tactics, Mamdani said he has maintained a working relationship with Trump since their Oval Office meeting late last year.

“It’s not about a personal relationship,” Mamdani said. “It’s about delivering for the people of this city. If policies help New Yorkers, I’ll work with anyone. If they hurt New Yorkers, I’ll be on the front lines opposing them.”

Shootings intensify national scrutiny

Mamdani referred to the January 7 killing of Renee Good, shot by an ICE agent while sitting in her car, as a “murder.” Her death sparked weeks of protests in Minneapolis.

On Saturday, another US citizen, Alex Pretti, was shot multiple times by at least one Customs and Border Protection agent during a confrontation in the city.

Trump administration officials have defended the agents involved, with some labeling Pretti a “domestic terrorist.”

Minnesota Gov Tim Walz rejected those claims, calling federal statements about the incident “lies” and “nonsense.”

Hours after the second shooting in Minneapolis, Zohran Mamdani demanded the abolition of ICE.

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