NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) – Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, says President Donald Trump is sending a clear message with his threats: “If you speak up, they will come for you.”

Making remarks in Florida, Trump incorrectly labelled Mamdani a “Communist” and went on to issue a threat to the state Assemblymember, saying he will have him arrested if he’s elected and interferes with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

“Well then, we will have to arrest him. Look, we do not need a communist in this country, but if we have one, I will be watching over him very carefully on behalf of the nation. We send him money, we send him all the things he needs to run a government,” Trump said.

Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, has repeatedly said the city should defend and bolster its sanctuary city laws, which prevent collaboration between local authorities and federal immigration efforts in most cases. He’s also promised to take ICE out of any city-owned facilities. 

“He’ll ensure our immigrant New Yorkers are protected by strengthening our sanctuary city apparatus: getting ICE out of all City facilities and ending any cooperation, increasing legal support, and protecting all personal data,” reads Mamdani’s campaign website. 

Trump additionally called into question Mamdani’s legal naturalization status. Mamdani has been a citizen since 2018. Some elected officials, like City Council Member Vicki Paladino, have gone so far as to call for his deportation. 

Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles last week said he sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi calling for denaturalization proceedings. 

Despite the threats, Mamdani said he remains undeterred. 

“His statements don’t just represent an attack on our democracy but an attempt to send a message to every New Yorker who refuses to hide in the shadows: if you speak up, they will come for you,” he said. “We will not accept this intimidation.”