New York City – In a letter addressed to the Trump administration, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that the city will pursue legal action if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues to occupy municipal parking lots for its operations. The mayor’s directive follows reports that ICE agents have been using city‑owned lots in Queens and the Bronx since July, including a site adjacent to a city‑run preschool and the New York Hall of Science.
Specific locations cited
According to the mayor’s correspondence, ICE agents “reportedly parked their vehicles and conducted meetings” in a lot at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx and another lot on 111th Street near Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. The latter location is directly next to a city‑run preschool, raising concerns about the safety and well‑being of young children.
City guidelines and enforcement
In response, the Parks Department has issued clear guidelines to its employees: ICE officers may not enter any city lot or area that is not open to the public unless they present a judicial warrant. Staff are instructed to notify city attorneys immediately and to avoid any physical or verbal confrontations with federal agents.
“ICE has no right to use our property as a base for tearing families apart. That applies to every park and lot this City owns. This unauthorized use of City property must end now,” Mayor Mamdani said. “Today, I’m telling DHS to order its agents off our lots. If they keep coming back, we will see them in court.”
Federal response
The Department of Homeland Security issued a statement defending the practice, asserting that “ICE’s presence in public parking lots is fully authorized under federal law and is a standard practice for law enforcement agencies nationwide.” The DHS release added, “Mayor Mamdani should be grateful to our brave law enforcement officers for cleaning up the streets of NYC since he won’t.”
Implications for families and the community
The mayor’s stance reflects a growing concern among New Yorkers that federal immigration enforcement should not infringe upon local spaces, especially those frequented by children and families. By demanding that ICE respect municipal property rights, the administration seeks to uphold the principle that local governments retain authority over their own assets.
Community leaders have expressed support for the mayor’s position, emphasizing that public parks and parking facilities should remain safe, welcoming places for all residents. The move also aligns with broader efforts to protect families from what many view as overreach by federal immigration officials.
Next steps
If ICE does not comply, the city is prepared to file a lawsuit asserting that the agency’s use of municipal property violates local ordinances and the constitutional rights of New Yorkers. The legal action would aim to obtain a court order prohibiting further use of city lots without proper judicial authorization.
Mayor Mamdani’s letter underscores the administration’s commitment to defending the rights of families and preserving the integrity of public spaces. The outcome of any potential litigation will likely set a precedent for how federal immigration enforcement interacts with local government property across the nation.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
