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By Billal Rahman
Immigration Reporter
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Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York mayor, has hit back at President Donald Trump's threats to have him deported.
"The President of the United States just threatened to have me arrested, stripped of my citizenship, put in a detention camp and deported. 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."
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Newsweek has contacted Mamdani's campaign for comment via email outside of normal office hours.
Why It Matters
Mamdani, 33, is a New York State assemblyman who was born in Uganda to Indian parents. He has lived in New York City since the age of 7 and became a U.S. citizen in 2018.
Last week, Mamdani rocked the Democratic primary after he defeated former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, positioning himself as the party's nominee. If elected in November, he would become the city's first Muslim and Indian American mayor. Several Republican lawmakers have called for him to be stripped of his citizenship and deported. However, none have presented any evidence to suggest that Mamdani has committed an act that could justify his removal from the United States.
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What To Know
During a tour of the new "Alligator Alcatraz" migrant detention center in Florida on Tuesday, Trump responded to a question about Mamdani, saying: "Well, then we'll have to arrest him. We don't need a communist in this country, but if we have one, I'm going to be watching over him very careful on behalf of the nation."
He added: "A lot of people are saying he's here illegally. Ideally, he's going to be less than a communist. But right now, that's a communist, that's not a socialist."
Mamdani, a democratic socialist, centered his campaign on making life more affordable in New York City, with a strong emphasis on rent freezes.
His platform also promises free childcare, free bus services, and measures to protect the city from the impacts of Trump's policies.
Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, after being indicted on federal corruption charges in September 2024, is seeking reelection as an independent candidate . Other candidates in the race include Republican Curtis Sliwa and independent Jim Walden.
What People Are Saying
Representative Andy Ogles said in a post on X: "Zohran Mamdani was a card-carrying member of the Democratic Socialists of America before he became a citizen. If he checked "NO" on his N-400 form when asked about associations with a communist party, then he LIED. Get the plane ready—he might be going back!"
Senator Bernie Sander wrote on X: "Mamdani won. The establishment is in panic. Billionaires are raising money against him; Trump is ranting; Islamophobes are on the loose. They know what we know: Candidates who stand boldly with the working class can win not only in NYC, but anywhere. Let's stand with Zohran."
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: "It's finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line. Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor."
Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said: "Your dedication to an affordable, welcoming, and safe New York City where working families can have a shot has inspired people across the city. Billionaires and lobbyists poured millions against you and our public finance system. And you won."
What Happens Next
The 2025 New York City mayoral election is scheduled for 4 November.
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