MIAMI, Fla. (Diya TV) — President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning Tuesday to New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, saying he would arrest him if he attempts to block federal immigration enforcement. Trump made the threat during a visit to the newly opened migrant detention center in Florida’s Everglades, which he nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.” He used the press event to launch another attack on Mamdani’s immigration policies.
Trump criticized Mamdani’s campaign promise to stop Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from deporting undocumented immigrants in the city. When reporters asked about Mamdani’s stance, Trump responded bluntly. He said, “Well then, we’ll have to arrest him.” He also said, “We don’t need a communist in this country. But if we have one, I’ll be watching him very carefully on behalf of the nation.”
In addition to that, Trump questioned Mamdani’s citizenship status, despite records showing that Mamdani is a U.S. citizen. “A lot of people are saying he’s here illegally,” Trump said. “We’re going to look at everything.” However, Mamdani was born in Uganda, moved to the United States at age 7, and became a naturalized citizen in 2018.
Trump also threatened to cut off federal funds to New York City if Mamdani wins and follows through on his promise to shield immigrants from federal agents. Trump said, “If he gets in, I’ll be president. And if he doesn’t do the right thing, they’re not getting any money.” He continued, “They already get three times what Florida gets. Florida receives one-third of what New York gets. It’s not fair.”
He warned, “Whoever becomes mayor of New York is going to have to behave. If not, the federal government will come down very hard on them—financially and legally.”
Mamdani quickly pushed back. In a statement released Tuesday, he accused Trump of using threats to silence critics of his immigration agenda. He said, “His statements don’t just represent an attack on our democracy. They send a message to every New Yorker who refuses to hide in the shadows.” He added, “We will not accept this intimidation.”
Trump has also repeatedly called Mamdani a “communist,” a label Mamdani rejects. Instead, Mamdani describes himself as a democratic socialist. During an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Mamdani addressed the president’s attacks. He said, “I am not a communist. I’ve already had to get used to the president talking about how I look, how I sound, where I’m from, and who I am.”
He continued, “He wants to distract from what I’m fighting for. I’m standing up for working-class people. That’s the same group he once claimed to support, and he has since betrayed them.”
Trump’s threats came just as the New York City Board of Elections released updated results from the ranked-choice Democratic primary. Mamdani now holds a strong lead over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. He leads 56% to 44%, according to the latest count. Initial results last week showed Mamdani with 44% and Cuomo with 36%. Although some ballots still need to be reviewed, officials say Mamdani’s lead is unlikely to change.
The field for the general election is shaping up quickly. Current Mayor Eric Adams, who lost the Democratic primary, plans to run as an independent. Cuomo will stay in the race under his “Fight and Deliver” party line. Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, who lost to Adams in 2021, will return for another run.
The general election is scheduled for November 4, and the stakes are rising. When asked whether he would work with the Trump administration, Mamdani took a measured tone. Speaking to ABC News, he said, “I will work with the Trump administration when it benefits New Yorkers. My approach will never be reflexive.” However, he made clear that he would not compromise on immigration enforcement. “If working with them harms the people I serve, then I won’t do it.”
Trump said he will not endorse anyone in the race “for now,” but he left no doubt about where he stands. “If Mamdani wins,” Trump said, “he’s going to have to cooperate. Or we’re cutting off the money.”
