White House immigration adviser takes legal strategy role
Ramzi Kassem, a former senior adviser on immigration and civil rights in the Biden White House, becomes Mamdani’s chief counsel. The appointment, announced December 30, 2025, positions a federal immigration and rights expert in the mayor’s inner circle as NYC confronts Trump administration pressures on sanctuary city policies.
Biden White House Background
Kassem served as a senior adviser in the White House on immigration policy, advising on asylum, border security, and immigrant rights. He has also worked extensively on civil liberties issues and Muslim community protection from government targeting. His background combines policy expertise with civil rights advocacy.
Chief Counsel Role
The chief counsel position provides direct legal advice to the mayor on policy, strategy, and litigation. Kassem will coordinate legal strategy on anticipated conflicts with the Trump administration over sanctuary city policies, immigrant protections, and civil rights. He will also advise on other major legal and constitutional issues facing the administration.
Sanctuary City Defense
NYC has designated itself a sanctuary city, limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and protecting undocumented immigrants from some deportation risks. The Trump administration has threatened funding cuts and legal challenges to sanctuary policies. Kassem will advise on defending these policies legally and politically.
Muslim Community Protection
Kassem has advocated for Muslim community protection from discriminatory government targeting. The Trump administration may pursue policies perceived as targeting Muslims or Arab Americans. Kassem’s role includes advising on how the city protects these communities from federal overreach.
Legal Strategy and Constitutional Authority
The chief counsel must advise on which federal policies the city can legally resist and what mechanisms exist for resistance. This involves understanding constitutional authority, administrative law, and litigation strategy. Kassem’s federal experience gives him credibility on these complex legal questions. For immigration policy, see the Department of Labor. Learn about sanctuary policies at Immigrant Defense Project. Read civil rights analysis at American Civil Liberties Union. Understand Muslim rights at Council on American-Islamic Relations.
