Two progressive congressional candidates backed by New York City Mayor Mamdani are reportedly involved in efforts to oppose the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) budget for the upcoming fiscal year, a move that could potentially result in the loss of over $215 million in anti-terror funding for the city.

Darializa Avila-Chevalier, running for a House seat covering parts of Manhattan and The Bronx, and Claire Valdez, a state assemblywoman aiming to represent Brooklyn and Queens in Congress, are said to be aligning with members of the progressive “Squad” caucus, including Representatives Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Michigan). According to insiders, this coalition plans to oppose the DHS budget as part of a broader socialist agenda they intend to pursue if elected.

The potential budget opposition places Mayor Mamdani in a difficult position, as he has been a vocal advocate for sustaining critical funding streams like the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI), which allocates nearly $600 million annually to high-threat urban centers to bolster counter-terrorism efforts. UASI funding supports key programs such as bomb squads, first responder training, and emergency communication systems in New York City. Both Mamdani and state officials, including Governor Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James, have recently criticized prior federal administrations for withholding portions of these funds.

One source familiar with the matter characterized the candidates’ strategy as deliberately targeting the DHS budget despite the fiscal ramifications for New York City. “They don’t care what it costs NYC. They are there to make a point,” the source said.

Representatives for Valdez disputed the allegations in a statement, describing the reports as false and the anonymous sources as either misinformed or dishonest. Avila-Chevalier’s office did not provide immediate comment.

The reported plan has reportedly been kept confidential, partly to avoid conflict with Tascha Van Auken, who leads the mayor’s office of mass engagement. The controversy highlights tensions between progressive elected officials and city leadership regarding public safety priorities and budget allocations.

Both Avila-Chevalier and Valdez are considered front-runners to win their respective races following primary victories earlier this year. If successful, their presence in Congress could signal a shift in legislative priorities that may challenge traditional funding mechanisms for counter-terrorism programs in urban centers such as New York City.