NEW YORK, July 2, 2025 – New York Governor Kathy Hochul has firmly responded to former President Donald Trump’s threat to arrest Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic candidate for New York City mayor, following Mamdani’s recent primary victory.
Trump, during a press conference in Ochopee, Florida, labeled Mamdani a “communist lunatic” and suggested he might be in the U.S. illegally, as reported by political analyst Aaron Rupar on X.
The exchange underscores a deepening political divide over immigration policy. Trump’s comments came after the Senate passed a bill he dubbed the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which includes significant funding for immigration enforcement. He criticized Mamdani’s stance on defying ICE and preventing arrests of “criminal aliens” in New York City, a position Mamdani articulated during his campaign.
Governor Hochul, in a strong rebuttal on X, stated, “I don’t care if you’re the President of the United States, if you threaten to unlawfully go after one of our neighbors, you’re picking a fight with 20 million New Yorkers — starting with me.”
Her defense of Mamdani comes amidst ongoing tensions over New York’s sanctuary city status, established by a 2017 executive order that Hochul has not rescinded, despite pressure from Senate and Assembly Republicans. Republicans have introduced legislation to allow law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration officials, criticizing Hochul’s approach as enabling chaos. This legislative push reflects a broader national debate on immigration enforcement, with Trump continuing to target progressive Democrats, warning of the implications of Mamdani’s win for the country.
The clash highlights the contrasting visions for immigration policy, with Hochul positioning New York as a defender of individual rights against federal overreach, while Trump advocates for stricter enforcement. As the political landscape evolves, this confrontation may signal further battles over sanctuary policies and federal-state relations in the coming months.