Tom Homan Criticizes NYC Mayor Over ‘Sanctuary City’ Pride

Tom Homan, the White House border czar, has voiced strong criticism of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani for his pride in New York’s sanctuary city status. Homan warns that these policies hinder cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and might lead to severe consequences, citing the Laken Riley case as an example.

Homan emphasizes the significance of upholding law and order. Despite opposition from city leaders, plans to deploy additional ICE agents in New York City are underway, as per Homan’s announcement, resulting in a significant enforcement surge.

A Guide for Officers The conservative legal group, America First Legal (AFL), has released a guide to inform New York City police officers that they have the right to communicate directly with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), regardless of sanctuary policies. The guide, titled “Law Enforcement Officer Immigration Cooperation Guide,” reiterates Section 1373 of federal law, claiming it prohibits state and local governments from restricting officers from sharing citizenship or immigration-status information with federal authorities.

AFL argues that these sanctuary policies might add legal risks for officials enforcing them. Some could face federal criminal charges for obstructing immigration enforcement. Victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants released despite ICE detainers might sue officials under federal civil RICO law.

Federal Enforcement Surge Tom Homan confirmed to Fox News a surge of ICE operations in New York City due to its sanctuary status. He stated, “It’s coming… There needs to be a surge.” Although operational details remain undisclosed, ICE intends to maintain enforcement of immigration laws.

Mayor Mamdani’s Executive Order 13 instructs the NYPD to ensure officers are trained on department policies regarding communication and cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The order suggests aggressive non-local law enforcement tactics in civil immigration enforcement foster public fear, contradictory to public safety.

America First Legal maintains local rules can’t lawfully prevent officers from voluntarily sharing immigration-status information with ICE, as federal law overrides conflicting local policies.

AFL invites officers who feel threatened or retaliated against for cooperating with ICE to seek confidential legal aid. AFL’s Senior Counsel James Rogers remarked, “Politicians who hide behind sanctuary policies are not above the law.” Gene Hamilton, AFL’s president, stated officers shouldn’t have to choose between federal law adherence and appeasing politicians committed to sanctuary policies.

New York City Hall has yet to respond to the controversy. The guide comes amid growing tensions between Mamdani and the Trump administration over immigration enforcement.

Fox News Digital contributed to this reporting.