Tom Homan Criticizes NYC Mayor Over Sanctuary City Pride

Former border czar Tom Homan has voiced strong criticism against New York City’s Mayor Zohran Mamdani for his pride in the city being a sanctuary. Homan argues these policies hinder federal immigration enforcement efforts, potentially leading to severe consequences, as highlighted by the Laken Riley case. He stresses the necessity of upholding law and order.

A conservative legal group, America First Legal (AFL), has released a 35-page guide encouraging New York City police officers to communicate directly with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), regardless of local sanctuary policies. The guide, titled ‘Law Enforcement Officer Immigration Cooperation Guide,’ asserts that federal law under Section 1373 prohibits state and local governments from preventing officers from sharing immigration information with ICE.

White House border czar Tom Homan has announced a plan to deploy an increased number of ICE agents to New York City. This decision follows Mayor Mamdani’s executive order reaffirming the city’s commitment to sanctuary city policies, which restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

America First Legal argues that local directives cannot legally stop officers from sharing immigration details with ICE, as federal law takes precedence. The guide also warns that sanctuary policies may expose local officials to legal risks, including potential federal criminal charges for obstructing immigration enforcement.

AFL has extended support to officers who feel threatened or punished for aiding ICE, offering them confidential legal representation. AFL Senior Counsel James Rogers and President Gene Hamilton emphasize that officials adhering to sanctuary policies must not undermine the enforcement of federal law.

As the Trump administration intensifies immigration enforcement in New York, an ICE operation is anticipated in response to Mayor Mamdani’s stance. Both the city administration and the Trump administration continue to dispute over enforcement tactics.

The guide argues that non-local law enforcement tactics, deemed aggressive, incite public fear, according to city policies. America First Legal, however, maintains that local rules conflicting with federal law cannot legally prevent cooperation with ICE.