Mamdani’s first 72 “Fresh Start” hours have created a litigation minefield that will need years of strategic challenges to unwind.
‼️ICE Removal from Rikers
Action: Removed ICE’s office space, data access, and operational presence from Rikers.
Why Illegal: Creates a direct federal preemption conflict and potential obstruction of federal law enforcement in a federally funded jail.
When a Lawsuit Can Happen: Immediately. The injury is complete the moment ICE is removed.
‼️Pinnacle Bankruptcy Intervention
Action: Filed an objection in federal bankruptcy court to block the sale of 93 buildings unless violations are fixed.
Why Illegal: Potential federal jurisdictional overreach; questionable standing; attempt to use municipal code enforcement to influence a federal bankruptcy process.
When a Lawsuit Can Happen: Already happening. Creditors can challenge standing now.
‼️ IHRA Definition Rescission
Action: Revoked the IHRA antisemitism definition adopted by the prior administration.
Why Illegal: Opens the door to claims that the city reduced protections for a protected class, potentially violating state human‑rights law.
When a Lawsuit Can Happen: Technically now, but strongest once a Jewish employee or resident alleges harm.
‼️ Anti‑BDS Order Revocation
Action: Canceled the order barring contracts with entities that boycott Israel.
Why Illegal: Conflicts with New York State Executive Order 157, creating a city–state preemption problem.
When a Lawsuit Can Happen: Once the city awards a contract to a BDS‑aligned vendor.
‼️ Clean Slate Revocation of Adams’ Orders
Action: Erased all executive orders signed by Eric Adams after his indictment.
Why Illegal: Vulnerable to “arbitrary and capricious” challenges; lacks policy‑specific justification; may disrupt agency operations without due process.
When a Lawsuit Can Happen: Possible now, but strongest once an agency or stakeholder shows concrete harm.
‼️ Re‑Establishing the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants
Action: Recreated MOPT and appointed a new director.
Why Illegal: Low risk, but could be challenged if the office issues directives that exceed its statutory authority.
When a Lawsuit Can Happen: Only after the office takes an overreaching action.
‼️ LIFT and SPEED Task Forces
Action: Created task forces to identify land and accelerate construction.
Why Illegal: Potential ULURP and CEQR violations if they bypass required review processes.
When a Lawsuit Can Happen: Once the task forces attempt to advance a project without proper procedure.
‼️ Deletion of @NYCMayor Archives
Action: Removed Eric Adams’ posts from the official mayoral account.
Why Illegal: Public‑records violations if the administration fails to provide a legally compliant archive.
When a Lawsuit Can Happen: Immediately if the archive is inaccessible.
Written with the help of Grok/Gemini/Copilot AI.
Writing by Dr. Dannielle Blumenthal 