Mayor Mamdani threatens legal action against ICE over lot use

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, that the city is prepared to take legal action against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The threat follows reports that federal agents have been utilizing city-owned, unstaffed parking lots to stage immigration enforcement operations without municipal authorization.

The areas identified by the city include parking lots at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx and along 111th Street near Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. In response to these reports, the administration has issued new procedures for New York City Parks employees, directing them to deny federal agents access to city-owned lots or non-public park areas unless the agents can produce a valid warrant.

Mayor Mamdani stated that the unauthorized use of city property for these operations must cease. He indicated that if federal agents continue to use these locations, the city will pursue litigation to stop the practice. The city's top lawyer, Corporation Counsel Steven Banks, is involved in the administration's legal review of the matter.

The Department of Homeland Security has defended its actions, maintaining that the presence of ICE agents in public parking lots is authorized under federal law and constitutes standard law enforcement practice. A spokesperson for the department stated that the agency will continue its operations regardless of the city's restrictions on parking access.