New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani recently sparked debate by hinting at his intention to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an expected visit to New York City this year. Mamdani has since clarified that he lacks the legal authority to effect such an action.

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, a Muslim representative from Michigan, has vowed to carry out a “citizen’s arrest” of Netanyahu in New York City, stating: “Arrest him. He’s a war criminal…if he needs help, tell him to call me!”

Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) further emphasized the call for accountability, asserting that U.S. law requires the arrest of individuals with International Criminal Court warrants upon their entry into American territory. In remarks on a recent media appearance, Khanna declared: “The American president should arrest Netanyahu or Putin in accordance with international law. Full stop.”

Legal experts note that the United States cannot legally enforce ICC arrests due to its non-membership in the court and diplomatic protections for visiting foreign leaders.