NYC Mayor Blocks ICE From City-Owned Properties Without Warrants

Zohran Mamdani says federal immigration enforcement should not have unrestricted access to municipal buildings.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that his administration will prevent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from entering city-owned property unless they present a judicial warrant. Mamdani framed the policy as a matter of civil liberties and local authority, saying federal immigration enforcement should not have unrestricted access to municipal buildings without court approval.

Why it matters

The mayor's remarks align with longstanding sanctuary-style policies in New York City that limit cooperation between local agencies and federal immigration authorities, particularly in non-criminal matters. Supporters argue such policies protect immigrant communities and encourage cooperation with local law enforcement, while critics say they undermine federal immigration enforcement.

The details

ICE has previously stated that it conducts operations in accordance with federal law and seeks cooperation from local jurisdictions when possible. It remains unclear how the policy would be implemented across all city facilities or how it could be challenged legally.

  • On January 25, 2026, Mamdani held a press conference at the New York City Office of Emergency Management.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who announced the policy to prevent ICE agents from entering city-owned property without a judicial warrant.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement that will be impacted by the mayor's new policy.

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What they’re saying

“Federal immigration enforcement should not have unrestricted access to municipal buildings without court approval.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (wabcradio.com)

What’s next

It remains unclear how the policy would be implemented across all city facilities or how it could be challenged legally.

The takeaway

The mayor's new policy is likely to intensify the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement, federal authority, and public safety in New York City.