DHS Secretary Slams NYC Candidate Mamdani Over ICE 'Abduction' Claims, Says City Would Be a 'Train Wreck' Under His Leadership

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani for describing immigration enforcement actions as "abductions," warning that his leadership would endanger public safety in the city.

In a Fox News interview on Wednesday, Noem said Mamdani's remarks disregard the role Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plays in removing "dangerous criminals" from city streets.

"I can't even imagine how the people of New York City feel listening to that," Noem told Fox & Friends. "Literally hundreds and hundreds of [criminal illegal immigrants] have been removed already in New York City because of President Trump's leadership. We need a mayor that will work with us." She added that a Mamdani-led New York would be a "train wreck," leaving families "nowhere to go for help."

Mamdani made his remarks on Sunday during a sermon at the Greater Allen Cathedral of New York, where he called ICE enforcement under the Trump administration "cruel" and "criminal." Referring to immigrant detentions, he said, "These are our neighbors. These are people who are guilty of only wanting a field of their own to harvest."

Mamdani's is running against Republican Curtis Sliwa, independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who also launched an independent bid after skipping the Democratic primary. He is leading comfortably in the polls.

The mayoral race has drawn national attention, including from President Trump, who has reportedly considered intervening to prevent Mamdani's election, according to sources cited by The New York Times. Trump has allegedly held discussions with allies, including former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, about consolidating opposition to Mamdani. While Trump has yet to formally endorse a candidate, he has expressed concern over Mamdani's left-leaning politics and called him a "communist lunatic."

The report also suggest Trump has received polling briefings from political operatives suggesting Cuomo could remain viable as an independent challenger. Allies of Adams and Cuomo have encouraged Trump to help unify the anti-Mamdani vote, though some have cautioned that an endorsement could backfire in a largely Democratic city.