Mamdani Defends NYC's Sanctuary City Status Despite Federal Funding Threat

NEW YORK CITY — Mayor Zohran Mamdani reiterated his stance on New York City's sanctuary laws after President Donald Trump threatened to withhold federal funds.

Mamdani doubled down on his views when asked by reporters about the ongoing situation with Trump and his targeting of states and cities with sanctuary policies.

“I will continue to make the case for New York City, and I think that’s been at the heart of every conversation that I’ve had with the president, Mamdani said during a press conference on Wednesday.

"When it comes to the threat to restrict federal funding to New York City, I want to be very clear that our values in our laws are not bargaining chips.”

Trump has said beginning on Feb. 1, the federal government will not make any payments to sanctuary cities or states having sanctuary cities because "they do everything possible to protect criminals at the expense of American citizens."

If funds are withheld, New York City could lose billions of dollars in federal funding. In total, the city would lose around $7.5 billion — more than 6 percent of the city's budget comes from the federal government.

On Tuesday, Mamdani said he had reached out to the president to express his sharp opposition to the decision but didn't hear back.

In July 2025, the Trump administration filed a lawsuit against the city over its sanctuary laws.
Under the city's sanctuary policies, the NYPD and city agencies are prevented from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement.

Federal funding in the city covers cost for public housing, public education, Medicaid and SNAP benefits.

The city's sanctuary laws date back to Mayor Ed Koch, who issued it in 1989.