NYC Mayor Cites Islam and Muhammad as Immigration Model for U.S.

Mamdani claims Islam's 'narrative of migration' should guide American policy, but critics say he's ignoring key details.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and said a 'Warrant of Removal/Deportation' is invalid. He has now referenced his Islamic faith as an 'enlightened guide' for U.S. immigration policy, claiming Islam is 'built upon a narrative of migration' and that the 'Prophet Muhammad... was a stranger too.' However, critics argue Mamdani is ignoring key details, such as Islam's restrictions on non-Muslim entry into holy sites and the lack of acceptance of Muslim migrants by Islamic countries.

Why it matters

Mamdani's comments reflect a growing trend of politicians and activists citing religious or ideological principles to advocate for open borders and the abolition of immigration enforcement. This raises concerns about how such views could shape future U.S. immigration policies and the potential consequences for public safety and national sovereignty.

The details

During an interfaith breakfast, Mamdani said 'If faith offers us the moral compass to stand alongside the stranger, government can provide the resources.' He referenced a verse from the Quran stating that those who 'immigrated in the cause of Allah after being persecuted' will be 'blessed with a good home in this world.' However, critics argue this verse refers specifically to Muslim immigrants, not all immigrants, and that Islamic theology has historically interpreted this as justification for the violent conquest and Islamization of non-Muslim lands.

  • Mamdani made these comments during an interfaith breakfast on Friday, February 6, 2026.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City who has advocated for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and claimed that Islamic principles on migration should guide U.S. immigration policy.

Robert Spencer

An expert on Islam and the proprietor of the website Jihad Watch, who has commented on Mamdani's remarks and the concept of 'immigrating for Allah' in Islamic theology.

Mudar Zahran

A Jordanian Palestinian academic and practicing Muslim who warned in 2015 that the wave of Muslim migration into Europe was part of a 'soft Islamic conquest of the West.'

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What they’re saying

“I consider my own faith, Islam, a religion built upon a narrative of migration. The story of the Hijrah reminds us the Prophet Muhammad [he then interjected 'peace be upon him' in Arabic] was a stranger too, who fled Mecca and was welcomed in Medina.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (Interfaith breakfast)

“As for those who immigrated in the cause of Allah after being persecuted, we will surely bless them with a good home in this world.”

— Quran, Surah Al-Nahl 16:42 (Quran)

“I have to be honest. You read Arab magazines and Arab newspapers, they are talking about, 'Good job! Now we're going to conquest [sic] Europe.' So it's not even a secret.”

— Mudar Zahran, Jordanian Palestinian academic and practicing Muslim (Interview)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Mamdani's comments highlight the growing debate over the role of religion and ideology in shaping immigration policy, and the need for policymakers to carefully consider the historical context and real-world implications of such arguments, rather than relying on selective or misleading interpretations of religious texts.