Mamdani pledges to spend $100M more for free lawyers to help migrants facing deportation

Democratic Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani has made a bold pledge, promising an additional $100 million from taxpayers to support illegal migrants facing deportation, labeling it a “cornerstone” of his campaign.

On MSNBC’s “The Weekend,” Mamdani expressed concern for the 400,000 residents who he claims are currently at high risk of deportation, noting that fewer than 200 of them had access to free legal counsel last year.

This year’s 2026 budget, approved in June, already allocates $54.5 million to provide legal defense against deportation orders – which Mayor Eric Adams has stated is “more than any other major city in the U.S.”

In line with his campaign platform’s “Trump-Proofing NYC” principle, Mamdani intends to significantly increase the existing funding for legal defense services, claiming it’s essential to ensure the safety and unity of New Yorkers while promoting an inclusive city image.

<pMamdani stated, “A key part of our agenda is to enhance funding for legal defense services by more than $100 million so that we can take every measure to ensure New Yorkers feel safe, remain together, and demonstrate to the world that they are welcome in this city.”

To implement this plan, Mamdani has committed to increasing the workforce in the city’s Law Department by 200 positions, though he did not provide additional details on this initiative.

Critics argue that this financial commitment is unfair to those who are legally in the immigration process, as they not only incur their own legal fees but are also subjected to a $600 “asylum program fee” introduced last year to aid in processing asylum applications.

“Anyone present in the U.S. without valid status can face removal,” said Candice Ackermann, a lawyer representing highly-skilled immigrants. “Historically, previous administrations didn’t enforce this strictly, but the law is clear.”

Individuals may end up in deportation processes if they entered the U.S. illegally or if they were legally admitted but became involved in criminal activity.

Since the beginning of the crisis in 2022, NYC has reportedly spent approximately $12 billion on managing the influx of asylum seekers, which includes funding for legal assistance, shelter, food, and other essential services.

“New York is experiencing a fiscal crisis, yet Mamdani seeks to divert another $100 million from taxpayers to fund deportation defenses, rewarding illegal actions while essential services for seniors and public safety go unsupported. It undermines the efforts of every immigrant who followed the legal route, and I intend to oppose this proposal vigorously,” criticized Council Member Robert Holden (D-Queens).

“This approach is unjust to taxpayers and those who adhered to the legal process to immigrate. This needs to stop,” added Republican mayoral contender Curtis Sliwa.

The source of the proposed additional $100 million has not been clarified. Mamdani’s campaign has not responded to inquiries from The Post for further information.