The Brian Lehrer Show 30 Issues in 30 Days: ICE in the City
Oct 23, 2025
Errol Louis is a political anchor at Spectrum NY1, a columnist for New York Magazine, and host of multiple shows, including Inside City Hall. In this discussion, he critiques candidates' responses to recent ICE raids, particularly in Chinatown. He analyzes differing strategies, from Cuomo's assertive tactics to Sliwa's diplomatic approach. Louis also warns about the potential dangers of a clash between NYPD and federal agents, while considering local effects on quality of life and how federal actions might influence local elections.
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Broad Rejection Of ICE Raid
- Both Andrew Cuomo and Brad Mamdani rejected the ICE raid on Canal Street and framed it as improper federal overreach.
- Their opposition highlights cross-party consensus that ICE actions in the city were politically and operationally questionable.
Police Vs. Federal Agents Risk
- Cuomo advocated using the NYPD to confront ICE if necessary, implying law-enforcement-on-law-enforcement clashes could occur.
- Errol Louis warned such actions would be fraught and dangerous given armed authorities and jurisdictional disputes.
Fix Vending Laws To Reduce Raids
- Pass street-vending reform to reduce the conditions that invite federal interventions like raids.
- Mamdani argued regulation and reform protect vendors while addressing quality-of-life and enforcement gaps.