Mamdani plans to ask NYC garage owners to block ICE usage in guilt-tripping letter: sources

Key Points:

• Mayor Zohran Mamdani plans to urge private NYC garage and parking lot owners to refuse ICE agents access to their properties for staging enforcement operations, aligning with the city's sanctuary policies.
• The request follows reports that a Bronx garage serving a Target was used by ICE agents involved in the October 8 shooting of Oscar Belgal, an undocumented immigrant, with ICE reportedly using the lot since April.
• Mamdani's letter highlights multiple instances of ICE using private lots across the city, warning that such arrangements expose property owners, employees, and customers to risks and community fear.
• The mayor frames the appeal as a solidarity effort with immigrant New Yorkers, asking private lot owners to join the city's stance against federal immigration enforcement cooperation.
• The move comes amid pressure from Democratic Socialists of America allies for stronger actions following the ICE shooting incident, including calls to hold Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch accountable despite NYPD's lack of involvement.