The federal takeover of New York is no longer theoretical. Even as we begin a new chapter under Zohran Mamdani — elected on a promise to defend immigrant New Yorkers — federal agents recently descended on Canal St., detaining street vendors in Chinatown while terrified residents looked on. This is the street-level enforcement that many thought our city would be spared.

And yesterday, White House border czar Tom Homan said, “We’re increasing enforcement presence in New York City again because they’re a sanctuary city.”

Our city is not alone. Federal agents have deployed to Portland, despite courts’ attempt to block them. Upstate, ICE raided a plant in Cato, detaining 68 workers, leaving children to return to empty homes. In Saratoga County, more than 100 ICE arrests took place through July.

In New York City, walk into 26 Federal Plaza and you’ll see what an occupation looks like. Masked agents lurk in hallways, waiting to grab people leaving immigration court. In September

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