【By Observer News, Chen Sijia】According to ABC on July 2, US President Trump threatened Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate for mayor of New York City, on July 1, saying that if Mamdani hindered the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from cracking down on illegal immigrants, he would be arrested.

On July 1 local time, Trump visited a newly built immigration detention facility in Florida called "Crocodile Devil Island" and gave an interview to American media. When asked about Mamdani's pledge to "stop masked ICE agents from deporting our neighbors," Trump replied, "Then we have to arrest him."

As Mamdani was born in Uganda, with both parents being Indian, Trump threatened to deport him. Trump claimed, "Many people say he entered illegally, and we will thoroughly review everything."

Earlier that day, Trump also accused Mamdani of being "a complete lunatic," warning that if Mamdani did not do "the right thing" after winning the mayoral election, federal funds for New York City would be withheld.

July 1 local time, Trump visits the immigration detention facility "Crocodile Devil Island." Visual China

In response to Trump's threats, Mamdani said on July 1: "The president just threatened to arrest me, strip me of my citizenship, put me in a detention camp, and deport me. Not because I violated any law, but because I refused to let ICE intimidate our city."

Mamdani said, "His remarks not only attack our democracy, but also send a message to every New Yorker who refuses to hide in the shadows: If you oppose, they will come for you. We will not accept this intimidation."

Mamdani accused the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) faction led by Trump of trying to "destroy the social safety net, kick millions of New Yorkers out of healthcare, and sacrifice working families to benefit billionaires," adding, "Voters will firmly oppose these agendas in November."

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has avoided taking sides in the New York mayoral race, but she also condemned Trump's remarks. Hochul posted on the social platform X: "I don't care if you're the president or not, if you threaten to illegally arrest one of our neighbors, you are against 20 million New Yorkers — starting with me."

Mamdani was born in Uganda and moved to New York with his family at the age of seven; both of his parents are Indian. He is a member of the "Democratic Socialists of America" (DSA) organization and has been a state legislator in New York since 2021. In the recent Democratic primary for mayor of New York City, Mamdani unexpectedly defeated former New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, becoming the Democratic Party's nominated candidate for mayor of New York City.

The Associated Press pointed out that if Mamdani is successfully elected as mayor of New York City, he will become the first Muslim and Indian-American mayor in the history of New York City, as well as the youngest mayor.

Democratic mayoral candidate Mamdani, Visual China

The Washington Post noted that Mamdani's agenda includes free city bus services, stable apartment rents, and opening government-owned supermarkets. He also promised to use his power as mayor to block the Trump administration's efforts to crack down on illegal immigrants, "stopping masked ICE agents from deporting our neighbors."

Last week, Mamdani accepted an interview with ABC. When asked if he would cooperate with the Trump administration after winning the mayoral election, he answered, "If it benefits New Yorkers, I will cooperate with the Trump administration. But if cooperation comes at the cost of harming the New Yorkers I serve, then no, I won't cooperate with the government that harms the people I want to represent."

Trump threatened that if New Yorkers elect Mamdani as mayor, he might stop providing federal funding to New York City. "He must do the right thing, otherwise they won't get the money," Trump said on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures" program, calling Mamdani a "communist."

Mamdani rejected the label, describing Trump's statements as a distraction. He said, "I've had to start getting used to the fact that the president will eventually talk about my appearance, my voice, where I'm from, and who I am."

The New York City mayoral election is scheduled for November 4. The Democrats have nominated Mamdani as their mayoral candidate, while the Republicans have nominated Curtis Sliwa, founder of the citizen patrol organization "Guardians of the Night." The current mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, and Andrew Cuomo, who lost in the Democratic primary, will also run as independent candidates.

This article is an exclusive piece by Observer News. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7522480211683557903/

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