New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has once again demanded the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, this time after an ICE agent fatally shot a Mexican immigrant in Houston earlier this week.
In a social media post Thursday, Mamdani expressed solidarity with the family of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 35-year resident of Houston who was killed Tuesday. “His family learned of his death from a video before anyone bothered to knock on their door,” Mamdani wrote, calling for a full, independent investigation and “real accountability.”
“New York City stands with the Salgado family,” Mamdani added. “To any immigrant family in this city living in fear: we grieve with you and we will continue to stand beside you in the pursuit of justice. Abolish ICE.”
The mayor’s statement aligns with his long-standing support for dismantling the agency, a position that has gained traction among progressive Democrats. Mamdani has previously pushed for similar measures, drawing criticism from conservatives who label his policies as extreme.
An ICE spokesperson told The Hill that preliminary information indicates Salgado Araujo drove his car into an ICE vehicle, ignored verbal commands, and “weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run over an ICE law enforcement officer, resulting in our officer firing his weapon in self-defense.” The man was struck by gunfire and later died at a hospital.
Salgado Araujo’s son, however, disputed that account, telling reporters his father had lived in the U.S. for 35 years and was on his way to a worksite when the shooting occurred. The family is pressing for answers, and several Democratic lawmakers in Congress have joined the call for an investigation.
The fatal incident has reignited debate over ICE’s use of force and its broader role in immigration enforcement. Mamdani’s renewed abolition push comes amid a series of high-profile clashes between the agency and immigrant communities. Lawmakers are demanding a probe, and advocates argue the shooting underscores systemic issues within the agency.
Mamdani, who has built a reputation as a progressive firebrand, has also faced backlash from opponents who view his anti-ICE stance as politically motivated. The Hill has reached out to ICE for further comment on the incident, which remains under review.
