WASHINGTON (VINNews) — Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin sharply criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday, calling him a “socialist communist” and saying he has “zero respect” for the mayor.

Appearing on Fox News, Mullin was asked about Mamdani’s recent criticism of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, which the mayor described as “cruel” and “inhumane.”

“First of all, Mamdani is a socialist communist that I have zero respect for,” Mullin said. “He’s running a great city by allowing lawless activity to continue to run rampant on the streets.”

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin: "Mamdani is a socialist communist that I have zero respect for. We're going after the worst of the worst, no matter where they're at, including New York. Mamdani can't do a thing about it." pic.twitter.com/YvGajP7YBd

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 10, 2026

Mullin defended the administration’s immigration enforcement policies and vowed that federal authorities would continue targeting criminals in sanctuary jurisdictions, including New York City.

“What we’re doing is we are going after the worst of the worst, no matter where they’re at, and that’s including in New York,” Mullin said. “Mamdani can’t do a thing about it because we’re going to enforce laws, not pick and choose which laws we are going to enforce.”

The comments come as Border Czar Tom Homan has promised a major increase in ICE operations in New York, arguing that state and city policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities have made enforcement more difficult.

Mullin’s remarks stand in notable contrast to those of his boss, President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly spoken positively about Mamdani despite their political differences.

Since Mamdani took office, Trump has described the mayor as a “nice guy” and said he enjoys a good working relationship with him. During an Oval Office meeting last year, Trump expressed optimism about the mayor’s leadership and pledged federal cooperation with New York City.

“I think, hopefully, you’re gonna have a really great mayor, and the better he does, the happier I am,” Trump said at the time.

The two have reportedly remained in regular contact, exchanging text messages and holding multiple meetings at the White House, even as disagreements persist over immigration, policing and other policy issues.

The public divide between Trump and one of his top Cabinet officials highlights differing approaches toward Mamdani, who has emerged as one of the nation’s highest-profile progressive elected leaders and a frequent target of conservative criticism.