New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani blasted President Donald Trump for threatening to arrest him if he interferes with ICE raids.
Trump made the comments during a press event at Florida’s controversial new migrant detention facility, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.”
During a recent interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Mamdani said that he would “fight back” against ICE deportations in New York City and accused current Mayor Eric Adams of “working with the Trump administration to assist in their goal of building the single largest deportation force in American history.”
Responding to a reporter’s question, Trump retorted, “We’re going to be watching that very carefully, and a lot of people are saying he’s here illegally. We’re going to look at everything.”
Trump warned that if Mamdani hinders federal enforcement, “we’ll have to arrest him.”
Mamdani immigrated legally to the United States as a child after living in Uganda.
But Trump’s remarks appeared to echo Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), who recently called for Mamdani to be denaturalized and deported, urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to explore the option.
Zohran "little muhammad" Mamdani is an antisemitic, socialist, communist who will destroy the great City of New York. He needs to be DEPORTED. Which is why I am calling for him to be subject to denaturalization proceedings.
Attached is my letter to @AGPamBondi. pic.twitter.com/RWCZm67VOr
— Rep. Andy Ogles (@RepOgles) June 26, 2025
Mamdani accused the president of using fear tactics to silence him.
“The president threatened me not because I have broken any law but because I will refuse to let ICE terrorize our city,” he said in a statement.
“His statements don’t just represent an attack on our democracy but an attempt to send a message to every New Yorker who refuses to hide in the shadows: if you speak up, they will come for you. We will not accept this intimidation.”
Trump, meanwhile, had kind words for New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who recently abandoned the Democratic primary to seek re-election as an independent.
My statement on Donald Trump's threat to deport me and his praise for Eric Adams, who the President "helped out" of legal accountability. https://t.co/m7pNcT2DFS pic.twitter.com/UcYakMx4lI
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) July 1, 2025
Trump called Adams a “very good person” and suggested he “helped him out a little bit,” referring to federal charges that were dropped against the mayor during Trump’s presidency.
“He had a problem. He was unfairly hurt over this question,” Trump remarked about immigrants flocking to the Big Apple.
“He made a statement to the effect that this is terrible,” he continued. “New York City can’t have all these immigrants come in, and he was indicted the following day.”
Mamdani took issue with Trump’s endorsement of Adams, claiming it shows how closely aligned the mayor is with the president’s agenda.
Trump on Eric Adams indictment: I helped him out a little bit. He had a problem pic.twitter.com/Vi1rszEY4C
— Acyn (@Acyn) July 1, 2025
“That Trump included praise for Eric Adams in his authoritarian threats is unsurprising, but highlights the urgency of bringing an end to this Mayor’s time in City Hall,” Mamdani said.
“At the very moment when MAGA Republicans are attempting to destroy the social safety net, kick millions of New Yorkers off of healthcare and enrich their billionaire donors at the expense of working families,” he continued.
“It is a scandal that Eric Adams echoes this President’s division, distraction and hate.”
Trump’s comments came during a tour of the new detention facility deep in the Florida Everglades, surrounded by alligator- and snake-infested waters.
When asked if the location served as a deterrent to escape, Trump answered, “I guess that’s the concept.”
He even joked about what illegal migrants should do if they find themselves trying to flee the facility.
.@POTUS on the deterrent factor of Everglade wildlife at the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention facility:
"Don't run in a straight line… and you know what? Your chances go up by about one percent. Not a good thing." pic.twitter.com/hDA4j8efsV
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 1, 2025
“The snakes are fast, but alligators — we’re going to teach them how to run away from an alligator if they escape prison,” Trump said while swinging his arms to demonstrate a zigzag motion. “Don’t run in a straight line. Run like this.”
Accompanied by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Trump described the facility as one of the best locations possible.
“This is what you need. A lot of bodyguards and a lot of cops in the form of alligators,” he said. “It might be as good as the real Alcatraz site.”
Trump also sent a message to American-born criminals, suggesting that Alligator Alcatraz may one day house them as well.
“We also have a lot of bad people that have been here for a long time. Some of them were born in our country,” he commented.
“I think we ought to get them the hell out of here too, if you want to know the truth. So maybe that’ll be the next job.”
Trump also added that he hopes to see similar detention facilities established in multiple states.
“Florida is going to get a second one and probably a couple more,” he noted. “The incredible thing is picking the site because the site was one of the most natural sites.”
“It is not a place I want to go hiking any time soon,” Trump joked. “Very soon this facility will house some of the most menacing migrants, the most vicious people on the planet. We’re surrounded by miles of swamp land and the only way out is deportation.”
90% of those in our public offices today think that they are above the law (Constitution) and do what they want..