Tom Homan says Zohran Mamdani 'will not stop' Trump's deportation drive

Trump's border czar dismissed the New York City mayor's opposition to ICE, insisting federal immigration enforcement will continue
Tom Homan argued Zohran Mamdani's stance would not change federal enforcement policy (Getty Images)
Tom Homan argued Zohran Mamdani's stance would not change federal enforcement policy (Getty Images)


WASHINGTON, DC: White House Border Czar Tom Homan dismissed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's opposition to federal immigration enforcement, saying the mayor "will not stop" Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from carrying out the Trump administration's mass deportation effort.

Homan argued Mamdani's stance would not change federal enforcement policy. He also defended the administration's deportation strategy as an extension of existing immigration law.

Homan rejects Mamdani's ICE opposition

Appearing on Fox News Channel's ‘Fox & Friends’ on  Sunday, July 19, Homan pushed back after being asked about Mamdani's views on sanctuary city policies and immigration enforcement.

"Well he has his opinion but he's not gonna stop ICE from doing their job," Homan said.

He then pointed to the ki***ng of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, arguing the case illustrated why he opposes sanctuary city policies.

"What he should do is go talk to the parents of Laken Riley," Homan said. "That alien that ki***d her was arrested in New York City. If it wasn't sanctuary city would have been handed over us, he be locked up probably deported."

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 13: Border Czar Tom Homan visits 'Varney & Co.' at Fox Business Network on January 13, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)
Border Czar Tom Homan visits 'Varney & Co' at Fox Business Network on January 13, 2026 in New York City (Noam Galai/Getty Images)

Homan also accused the mayor of refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

"He talked about that he doesn't want to assists in civil immigration enforcement," Homan said. "Okay, so why you lock us out of Rikers Island? That's all criminals. He just doesn't want immigration law enforced."

Border Czar defends Trump's deportation plan

Homan also doubled down on the Trump administration's commitment to large-scale deportations, saying immigration enforcement would continue regardless of local political opposition.

"And he's damn right, every illegal alien in this nation that is here illegally, that's cross, the border illegally, which is a crime, will be deported," Homan said.

He described the administration's approach as a matter of enforcing existing federal law rather than creating new policy.

"That's called the rule of law," Homan said. "If he doesn't like it then call your members of Congress to change law."

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivers a speech to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States at City Hall on Friday, July 3, 2026 in New York. (Anna Connors/The New York Times via AP, Pool)
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivers a speech to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States at City Hall on Friday, July 3, 2026 in New York (Anna Connors/The New York Times via AP, Pool)

Homan also tied the administration's immigration agenda directly to President Donald Trump's return to the White House, arguing voters backed his border security promises.

Tom Homan links deportations to Trump's election

According to Homan, Trump's immigration platform gave the administration a clear mandate to continue its enforcement efforts despite opposition from sanctuary city leaders.

"President Trump is sitting in an Oval Office today, because his promise to secure the border," Homan said, adding that the administration now has "the most secure border in history of this nation."

President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino speak at a reception at Trump Tower in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino speak at a reception at Trump Tower in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026 (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

He ended by reaffirming that the White House is following through on another campaign pledge.

"And because he promised mass deportations which we are doing," Homan said.

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