The United States Department of Justice warned that it could sue the mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, if he promotes fiscal policies that involve differentiated treatment of certain neighborhoods based on their demographic composition. The warning was issued by Harmeet Dhillon, an official of the Civil Rights Division, after the release of versions of a possible tax increase aimed at mostly
white areas.The controversy broke out after a publication circulated on social networks, in which it was revealed that Mamdani's fiscal plan would include selective tax increases according to neighborhood characteristics. In response, Dhillon categorically stated that such a measure would be illegal and anticipated legal action should it materialize. “This is illegal. If it happens, wait for a lawsuit. Or several,” he wrote.
The mayor, for his part, presented a tax proposal earlier this month that focuses on increasing taxes on high-value properties, especially second homes considered luxury. According to the guidelines released, the initiative seeks to increase municipal revenue to finance public services and “reduce economic inequalities in the city”, without explicitly mentioning racial
criteria.
However, criticism of the proposal has been increasing. Opposition sectors argue that, even if the plan does not make direct reference to race in its text, it has different effects in certain neighborhoods, which would open the door to legal and constitutional questions. In a city characterized by its diversity, they warn, any policy perceived as directed against a specific group can generate social and political tensions
