New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani posted a Spanish-language video Friday walking the public through how to handle encounters with federal immigration agents, drawing immediate condemnation from Republican lawmakers who accused him of helping illegal immigrants dodge enforcement.
The minute-and-a-half clip opens with Mamdani, speaking in Spanish, saying: “If you encounter ICE, these are your rights.”
Mamdani tells viewers that ICE agents “cannot legally enter private spaces without a judicial order,” and instructs them to check any document for the words “United States District Court” and a judge’s signature. He suggests people ask agents to “pass the order under the door.”
He also says people questioned by ICE on the street have the right to remain silent, and recommends asking “Am I free to go?” during a stop. He tells viewers not to sign any documents without first consulting a lawyer.
The video shares the city’s legal support hotline before closing with Mamdani saying New Yorkers have “the right to protest” and pledging to “protect that right.”
Republican Reaction
Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) wrote on X: “At no point in this video is anyone urged to abide by the laws of the United States. Because it was not made for the benefit of the people of the United States.”
Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton called it “Dangerous incitement full of disturbing falsehoods by communist terrorist supporter,” adding, “This statement could put lives in danger.”
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) called the video “Unbelievable,” writing: “The Mayor of New York is openly helping illegal aliens evade [ICE] and undermine the law. Radical Democrats are doing EVERYTHING in their power to recreate Biden’s open border disaster.”
Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY) said Mamdani used “taxpayer resources to instruct illegals, in Spanish, how to evade accountability.” He went on to argue that “Biden’s open border, canceling Remain in Mexico, sanctuary city policies and free hotels, healthcare and lawyers for illegals isn’t compassion. They’re policy choices that are making us more like France and House Democrats are in on it.” LaLota added, “NYC is becoming more like Paris every day.”
Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) offered a one-word reaction: “Treason.”
