Tom Homan, a federal border enforcement official, has warned of increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in New York City, arguing that the city's sanctuary policies prevent the removal of individuals with criminal histories. He contends that New York's non-cooperation with federal immigration authorities poses a public safety risk and enables the persistence of criminal activity within the city.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has reaffirmed the city's sanctuary status, which restricts local law enforcement coordination with federal immigration authorities. The disagreement reflects a fundamental policy split: Homan prioritises immigration enforcement as a safety measure, whilst sanctuary city advocates argue that such policies protect marginalised communities from federal overreach. Governor Kathy Hochul's recent immigration legislation figures into this broader state-level dispute.