NYC Mayor Criticized for Spanish-Language Video Advising on ICE Encounters
Zohran Mamdani's social media post offering guidance on rights during interactions with federal immigration authorities draws sharp rebuke from Republicans.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has faced significant backlash for a social media video released Friday in which he provides guidance in Spanish on how individuals should interact with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
In the minute-and-a-half-long video, Mamdani, speaking Spanish, stated, “If you encounter ICE, these are your rights.” He advised viewers that ICE agents “cannot legally enter private spaces without a judicial order” and instructed them to look for a document with “United States District Court” and a judge's signature. Mamdani also suggested asking agents to “pass the order under the door” and advised individuals questioned on the street that they have the right to remain silent, ask if they are free to leave, and not sign any documents without consulting an attorney.
The mayor concluded the video by mentioning the city's legal support hotline and affirming New Yorkers' right to protest, pledging to protect that right.
The video quickly drew criticism from Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) posted on X that the video did not encourage adherence to U.S. laws and suggested it was not made for the benefit of American citizens. Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton described the statement as "dangerous incitement full of disturbing falsehoods" and warned it could endanger lives.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) called the video “Unbelievable,” arguing that the mayor was “openly helping illegal aliens evade [ICE] and undermine the law.” He characterized the actions as part of a broader effort by “Radical Democrats” to replicate what he described as a “Biden’s open border disaster.”
Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY) criticized Mamdani for allegedly using “taxpayer resources to instruct illegals, in Spanish, how to evade accountability.” LaLota also contended that policies such as sanctuary cities and provisions of services for undocumented immigrants were contributing to a decline in public safety, comparing New York City to Paris.
Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) responded to the video with the single word, "Treason." Mamdani's office has not yet issued a statement in response to the criticism.