NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani says he won’t fire NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch despite socialist pressure
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he has no plans to remove NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, despite calls from Democratic Socialist allies to fire her after an ICE-involved shooting in the Bronx. He said he chose Tisch for her efforts to root out corruption and credited their work together with record-low murders and shootings.
The Democratic Socialists of America’s New York City chapter called for Tisch’s removal and urged Mamdani to push ICE out of the city after Oscar Belgal, a 28-year-old Dominican national, was shot during a federal immigration operation. Mamdani and Tisch appeared together at a memorial honouring 42 fallen NYPD members; he has also ordered a review of police use-of-force policies and announced reforms to strengthen accountability for serious misconduct.
- Mamdani says Tisch will remain NYPD commissioner.
- Socialist allies called for her removal after an ICE shooting.
- The mayor ordered a review of police force policies.
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The New York Police Department (NYPD) is the city’s police force, led by a commissioner appointed by the mayor. Jessica Tisch has held that role under Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who took office after campaigning as a democratic socialist.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal agency, separate from city police, that enforces US immigration laws. Disagreement over its operations in New York has put pressure on city leaders to say how local authorities should deal with federal immigration enforcement.
The Democratic Socialists of America’s New York City chapter is a political organisation with ties to Mamdani’s movement. Its calls for changes to the police leadership sit alongside wider debates about police accountability and the city’s relationship with federal agencies.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Keeping Tisch in post could preserve experienced leadership and continuity in public safety, while Mamdani says their work has helped reduce murders and shootings and tackle corruption. A review of use-of-force policies and stronger misconduct accountability may allow the administration to pursue reform without removing the commissioner before the facts and policy changes are assessed.
The case against
Removing Tisch could signal that the city takes accountability seriously after a fatal shooting during a federal immigration operation, particularly if critics believe her leadership or the department’s practices undermine public trust. Supporters of dismissal may also argue that Mamdani’s mandate gives him reason to distance city policing from federal immigration enforcement and act decisively on the reforms his allies seek.