NYC mayoral debate: Mamdani, Cuomo, Sliwa face off | Live Updates

When asked about the deportation of undocumented immigrants in New York City, a sanctuary city, Cuomo, Sliwa and Mamdani all chimed in.

Cuomo said he would have an attorney assigned to every person who is undergoing review and put the full weight of the city government behind it to make sure they are legally protected.

Sliwa said the city needs to protect migrants who are essential workers and let ICE go after the drug dealers, gangsters, sexual predators and those who are sex trafficking.

Mamdani said there needs to be more legal representation, and the city needs to stand up to President Trump.

When asked about the city's Gifted and Talented program, Sliwa said there are not enough slots, and that the number needs to be expanded from 1,900 to 5,000. He also said he supports making the tests available to all children to give them an opportunity to excel.

Cuomo said he supports mayoral control over the program, and wants to expand the Gifted and Talented programs, accessibility, prep courses and double specialized high schools from nine to 18, and keep the SAT as it is.

Meanwhile, Mamdani clarified his views on the programs, saying that he only wants to take away the program when it applies to kindergartners because he does not believe they should be subjected to a "singular assessment." He said he wants to hire 1,000 more teachers every single year.

As for who controls the program, Mamdani says he's critical of the mayor having control over it, because of the way it's been used in the past to take away the voice of educators, students and parents.

One of the biggest issues in the New York City mayoral race has been affordability.

On Thursday night, the candidates clashed over the issue.

Mamdani said he would build 200,000 affordable homes across the five boroughs for the next 10 years, and make it easier for the private sector to build housing.

Cuomo responded, saying that freezing the rent only postpones the increase, stating that you have increase it to cover the costs, otherwise the building will go bankrupt. He added that Mamdani's plan does nothing for the majority of renters who aren't in rent-stabilized apartments, it does nothing for NYCHA, and it does nothing for communities who are getting priced out.

Cuomo pointed to his experience as HUD secretary as to how he has built affordable housing across the country.

Meanwhile, Sliwa claimed that affordable housing can be built in huge skyscrapers all throughout Manhattan, northern Brooklyn and in Long Island City. He says those buildings can be converted into affordable apartments.

The candidates were asked to state how much they spend a week on groceries.

Cuomo said, "probably $150."

Sliwa said $175 and added that "the price is too costly."

Mamdani agreed with Sliwa, and said he spends about $125 to $150.

They also revealed how much they spend on rent/mortgage each month.

Sliwa said $3,900, Mamdani said $2,300 and Cuomo said $7,800, while also taking shots at the Democratic nominee over his rent-stabilized apartment.