In a move that has stirred reactions across the political spectrum, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a new executive order requiring ICE agents to obtain a judicial warrant before entering any state building.
Mamdani spoke at the New York Public Library during his first annual Interfaith Breakfast, where he condemned ICE operations nationwide and described federal law enforcement agents as individuals who “violate the Constitution and visit terror upon our neighbors.”
“That is why this morning, right here in this moment, I shall sign an executive order that will uphold our city’s protection not just of our fellow immigrant New Yorkers, but of all New Yorkers, from abusive immigration enforcement,” Mamdani said before he signed the order.
According to ABC7, Executive Order 13 bars ICE from entering New York City property without a judicial warrant, strengthens privacy protections to prevent unlawful federal access to New Yorkers’ personal data, mandates a public safety audit to ensure legal compliance, and establishes an interagency committee.
Everyone in attendance applauded Mayor Mamdani, offering a strong show of support as they celebrated his continued efforts to push back against ICE in his city. The moment reflected the growing frustration many residents and advocates have expressed toward the federal law enforcement agency, particularly as debates over immigration enforcement continue to dominate public discussion. Supporters praised the mayor for taking a firm stance and using his authority to respond to concerns raised by immigrant communities, activists, and local organizations. Users online also celebrated the new executive order, sharing messages of approval across social media amid nonstop controversies involving ICE. Many described the move as a meaningful step toward protecting vulnerable residents and limiting the agency’s influence at the local level. The announcement quickly drew attention from both supporters and critics, adding fuel to an already heated national conversation about immigration policy, civil rights, and the role of federal enforcement in American cities.
