Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tennessee) is facing backlash after calling for New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani to be stripped of his citizenship and deported ahead of the city’s general election in November.
“Zohran ‘little Muhammad’ Mamdani is an antisemitic, socialist, communist who will destroy the great City of New York,” Ogles posted on social media. “He needs to be DEPORTED. That’s why I’m calling for denaturalization proceedings.”
Mamdani, a state assemblyman and the Democratic primary winner for NYC mayor, is set to face incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, and former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the general election. Cuomo confirmed Friday that he will remain on the ballot.
Ogles also released a letter addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi, urging her to initiate legal steps to revoke Mamdani’s citizenship. In it, Ogles cited a 2025 New York Post article in which Mamdani referenced the “Holy Land Five” in a rap verse: “Free the Holy Land Five / My guys.”
The Holy Land Foundation was a Muslim charity whose five senior members were convicted in 2008 of sending funds to Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. Ogles argues that Mamdani’s public praise of the group raises questions about his naturalization process.
“Expressing support for individuals convicted of terrorism-related crimes may indicate affiliations or sympathies that should have been disclosed during his citizenship application,” Ogles wrote. “While some may argue this is protected speech, certain expressions can point to conduct that’s relevant to legal eligibility for citizenship.”
Democratic lawmakers quickly condemned Ogles’ statements, calling them racially charged and un-American.
“This is racist drivel, plain and simple,” said Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Michigan) in a post on social media. “Immigrants are the backbone of our nation. Andy Ogles’ words are disgraceful and dangerous.”
Mamdani, who is of Indian descent, was born in Uganda and immigrated to the U.S. as a child. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2018. Throughout his campaign, he has frequently addressed racism and anti-immigrant rhetoric, vowing to dramatically expand New York City’s anti-hate crime programs if elected.
“This race has been ugly at times, flooded with millions in attack ads and misinformation,” Mamdani said after his primary win. “But now that the dust is settling, I want to reintroduce myself—not through a 30-second smear ad, but as the leader I promise to be as your next mayor.”
Mamdani has also drawn criticism from other Republicans. Former President Donald Trump recently called him a “100% Communist Lunatic” on social media, continuing a pattern of GOP attacks on the progressive candidate.
Despite the growing political firestorm, Mamdani remains focused on his campaign platform, which centers on economic reform, housing affordability, and combating hate-based violence in New York City.
