Video News Clips: In Their Own Words

Mamdani Uses Islam To Lecture Americans About Immigration — But There’s A Problem

Screenshot via Spectrum News/YouTube

Democratic New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani used Islam on Friday to lecture Americans about why migration is necessary, although his own religion does not allow non-Muslims to enter the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Mamdani, a Muslim, signed an executive order that intends to strengthen New York’s sanctuary city status and restrict Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from entering city property, such as schools and hospitals. He stated during an interfaith breakfast that Islam “is built upon a narrative of migration,” though non-Muslims are strictly prohibited from entering Islam’s holy city and risk the possibility of fines and deportation.

“I consider my own faith, Islam, a religion built upon a narrative of migration. The story of the Hijrah reminds us of the prophet Muhammad, [who] was a stranger too, who fled Mecca and was welcomed in Medina … If faith offers us the moral compass to stand alongside the stranger, government can provide the resources. Let’s create a new expectation of City Hall where power is wielded to love, to embrace, and protect. We will stand with the stranger today,” Mamdani said.

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Mamdani has attempted to fight President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement operations since taking office, even telling “The View” on Jan. 20 that he wants ICE to be completely abolished. Shortly after being elected mayor, Mamdani called on New Yorkers to obstruct ICE agents and argued that a “Warrant of Removal/Deportation” is invalid. He later doubled down on the move, stating that he was simply informing New Yorkers “of their rights.”

The mayor also said on Friday that he is going to prevent ICE from entering New York City without a judicial warrant.

Trump declared on Jan. 13 that his administration is cutting off all funding for sanctuary cities beginning in February. There are 12 states, three counties and 18 major cities that the Trump administration deems to be sanctuary havens for criminal illegal immigrants, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The administration has arrested many illegal immigrants with criminal records, including those charged with rape — drug possession, molestation and terroristic threats.