New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani reaffirmed his intention this week to disband the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group, a specialized unit tasked with counterterrorism and rapid response that has played a central role in policing large-scale demonstrations. The remarks came during a Wednesday press conference following the first mass arrests of his administration, carried out by SRG officers during anti-ICE protests outside a Manhattan hotel the previous evening.

Mayor Mamdani confirmed that discussions are ongoing with Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch regarding how to dismantle the unit “in ways that are operational,” though he declined to provide a specific timeline or framework. He emphasized that the decision is not being driven by financial considerations, despite the city facing an estimated $12 billion budget shortfall inherited from the previous administration under former Mayor Eric Adams.

According to Mamdani, the core issue is structural rather than fiscal. He argued that the NYPD should not maintain a single unit responsible for both counterterrorism and crowd control at protests, stating that such a combination blurs critical lines between national security functions and First Amendment activity. His proposal would effectively separate counterterrorism responsibilities from protest policing, a long-standing demand of the Democratic Socialists of America and other progressive advocacy groups.

The Strategic Response Group was established in 2015 to respond to terrorism threats and major public disturbances. Since then, it has repeatedly drawn criticism from activists and civil liberties organizations, who point to documented incidents involving excessive force during protests. Calls to abolish the unit have intensified in recent years, particularly during demonstrations related to immigration enforcement and federal law enforcement actions.

Mayor Mamdani went further by openly praising anti-ICE protesters, commending what he described as New Yorkers’ efforts to draw attention to “the horrific abuses of ICE across this country.” His remarks were welcomed by progressive supporters, including DSA leadership, but sparked skepticism from critics who questioned how public order would be maintained during large demonstrations if the SRG is dismantled without a clear replacement.

For now, the mayor acknowledged that the Strategic Response Group will continue to be deployed at protests until a final decision is reached. The debate highlights a growing divide over policing, public safety, and immigration enforcement in the nation’s largest city, as Mamdani’s administration signals a sharp departure from traditional law-and-order approaches in favor of activist-driven reform.