DAYS THE BUDGET IS LATE: 51
CROWD CONTROL: New York State Democrats are united in their efforts to curb ICE activities, although there’s debate about how these actions might affect the NYPD.
Governor Kathy Hochul, alongside state legislators, approved a set of measures today aimed at restricting federal immigration enforcement in New York.
“Tom Homan can shove it,” declared Brooklyn state Senator Andrew Gounardes during a press conference, directly referring to the Trump administration’s border czar.
The legislative package seeks to limit police departments like the NYPD from managing crowds during federal immigration enforcement operations.
According to Gounardes, “If ICE or DHS request local police to assist their operations — closing streets, directing traffic, setting up barriers — those actions will no longer be permitted.”
The new measures also propose banning masks for law enforcement and designating “sensitive locations” where ICE cannot enter without a warrant.
This initiative is part of ongoing efforts by Democrats in states like New York to counter the Trump administration’s immigration strategies.
The move to prevent local police from cooperating with federal immigration authorities could become complicated, as shown by a recent incident in Brooklyn.
Allies of Zohran Mamdani criticized the mayor and police commissioner Jessica Tisch when the NYPD managed a crowd of anti-ICE protesters who attempted to block federal agents detaining an undocumented individual and taking him to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center.
The NYPD stated they were responding to 911 calls regarding disorderly protests and maintained that these new regulations would not have altered their actions that night. Eight people were arrested during the incident, with videos showing a chaotic scene where the NYPD was seen throwing a protester to the ground.
Protesters argue that the NYPD’s crowd control efforts inadvertently supported ICE operations.
Brooklyn state Senator Julia Salazar, a supporter of the new measures, believes the legislation would have prevented NYPD’s involvement in such protests.
“Someone was violently taken into ICE custody by agents,” Salazar recounted. “They were then taken to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Bushwick, with NYPD officers facilitating the process — something that would be banned in the future.”
An NYPD spokesperson told Playbook the “legislation will not impact the NYPD because we do not engage in civil immigration enforcement, period.”
The bill’s text prohibits any “informal agreement” allowing police to assist or conduct immigration enforcement activities. This raises questions about local police roles during anti-ICE demonstrations, especially after similar protests resulted in fatalities in Minnesota.
Mamdani’s spokesperson, Dora Pekec, stated that city policy already forbids NYPD and ICE collaboration, adding that “the Mayor supports this legislation and believes ICE should not play a role in New York City’s public safety.”
Tomorrow, Mamdani is set to release a report stemming from a February executive order that reviews city interactions with federal immigration enforcement.
During a May 12 event, Tisch criticized those who accused the NYPD of colluding with ICE at Wyckoff.
“NYPD officers, amid the chaotic scene, acted professionally and ensured the situation didn’t escalate,” she remarked. “Those criticizing the NYPD’s actions have lost sight of the stakes involved.”
The Wyckoff event led to rare public criticism of the Mamdani administration from progressive lawmakers who held an emergency press conference and penned a letter condemning the NYPD’s actions.
“They provided security for ICE,” said City Council member Sandy Nurse, who represents the area, commenting on the incident.
Hochul spokesperson Jen Goodman stated the new law “would not ban local law enforcement from actions like crowd control in the interest of protecting New Yorkers.” — Jason Beeferman
FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
POLL-A-PALOOZA: Recent surveys from Emerson College Polling provide insights into the city’s most competitive primaries, offering rare external polling data for these contests.
Brad Lander, a former City Comptroller, is leading Rep. Dan Goldman by a substantial 34 points. The poll indicates Lander has 57 percent support, while Goldman trails at 23 percent. Twenty percent of likely Democratic voters remain undecided.
Goldman’s campaign challenged the poll’s accuracy: “This poll is not remotely close to an accurate read of this race,” campaign manager Simone Kanter wrote on X. The campaign argues that the poll oversampled certain demographics and is based on an unlikely turnout scenario.
Emily Minster, speaking for Lander’s campaign, noted they are “taking nothing for granted.”
A recent internal poll from a super PAC supporting Goldman showed a narrower gap, with Goldman trailing by 5 points. Goldman’s campaign has been actively advertising, with Lander’s ads recently commencing.
The polls reveal closer races in NY-07 and NY-12, both open due to retiring representatives.
In NY-07, Claire Valdez leads with 23 percent, closely followed by Antonio Reynoso at 21 percent. Julie Won and Vichal Kumar trail at 13 and 1 percent, respectively.
Valdez is favored among Hispanic voters and is nearly tied with Won among Asian voters. A significant 43 percent of respondents remain undecided, leaving room for campaigns to gain traction.
In NY-10, Micah Lasher and Alex Bores are neck-and-neck with 22 and 20 percent support. Jack Schlossberg holds 11 percent, with George Conway and Nina Schwalbe trailing.
Earlier polls indicated a slight lead for Schlossberg, but recent heavy spending in support of Lasher has shifted the race dynamics.
Mamdani boasts strong approval ratings across these districts, with 78 percent in the 7th, 79 percent in the 10th, and 66 percent in the 12th.
The polls were conducted May 16-17 among likely Democratic primary voters, with varying margins of error for each district. — Madison Fernandez
NOT THERE: Democrats are confident as the midterms approach, but is that confidence leading to a lack of donations for Rep. Laura Gillen?
Oath, a donor platform, released recommendations identifying which Democrats should receive support. Gillen, whose Long Island seat is pivotal for 2026, was not included. Oath cited her seat moving towards safe Democratic territory and the absence of a significant Republican challenger.
The fundraising status of Jeanine Driscoll, the preferred Republican candidate, remains unclear, as she entered the race without filing a financial report. Marvin Williams, her primary opponent, has raised nearly $90,000, largely self-funded.
A Supreme Court case could further complicate elections by enabling increased political spending by national parties, potentially aiding Republicans.
“Laura Gillen is running in a fiercely competitive Frontline seat,” said Riya Vashi from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, emphasizing their commitment to supporting Gillen. — Madison Fernandez
From the Capitol
THE WHEELS ON THE BUS: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has been preparing for potential disruptions during the World Cup by coordinating with other agencies.
These plans are crucial given the region’s history with heat-related issues and recent fires impacting Penn Station services.
New Jersey Transit has a contingency plan involving buses to transport fans if trains fail. However, these buses can also overheat and will need to navigate the Port Authority’s tunnels to reach MetLife Stadium. The Port Authority is considering additional backup plans, such as reversing tunnel lanes.
Kathryn Garcia, head of the Port Authority, highlighted the need for flexibility, noting frequent bus breakdowns due to heat.
Port Authority Chair Kevin O’Toole shared an experience where a bus breakdown in the Lincoln Tunnel was swiftly managed with a tow truck and replacement bus arriving within five minutes.
“We are going to anticipate certain breakdowns and hopefully we can do our best to accommodate the public,” he said. — Ry Rivard
FROM CITY HALL
NOTHING IN LIFE IS FREE: Mayor Zohran Mamdani unveiled a plan to offer 1,000 World Cup tickets to New Yorkers for $50 each.
The announcement took place at a Harlem beer garden, where Mamdani expressed excitement about making the event accessible to more New Yorkers.
“We’re thrilled to provide this opportunity to those who thought attending was out of reach,” Mamdani stated.
New Jersey Democrats criticized FIFA for the discounted tickets being exclusive to New York residents, despite matches taking place in New Jersey.
“This publicity stunt does nothing to address the cost of tickets,” Reps. Nellie Pou and Frank Pallone said.
Stephen Sigmund, spokesperson for Governor Mikie Sherrill, remarked, “FIFA not caring about costs for New Jersey residents isn’t new.”
FIFA explained the agreement was between the local host committee and the mayor’s office, ensuring tickets go to genuine fans.
New York and New Jersey officials have clashed over tournament logistics, primarily concerning transportation to matches. — Ry Rivard and Joe Anuta
In Other News
— SUITED UP: Mamdani’s chief counsel, Ramzi Kaseem, known for suing the NYPD and handling civil liberties cases, joins City Hall. (The New York Times)
— ICED OUT: A Manhattan parking garage removed federal vehicles after protests about their use by immigration enforcement agents. (Gothamist)
— SHEIK UP: The Mamdani administration distanced itself from an Islamic leader who questioned Holocaust facts. Mamdani has met the figure multiple times since January 2025. (Washington Free Beacon)
Missed this morning’s New York Playbook? We forgive you. Read it here.
