Mamdani's Spanish ICE guide divides national leaders

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani drew national scrutiny on Friday after releasing a Spanish language video on how residents should interact with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Mamdani has long opposed the federal agency, calling for its abolition during his campaign and after taking office. As mayor, he signed an executive order that strengthens local sanctuary policies. That order limits cooperation between city agencies and federal immigration authorities. It also directs the city to protect personal information and establish protocols for ICE requests. The administration recently expanded training and rights materials for city employees.

On Friday, Mamdani posted a message on X stating that if a New Yorker encounters ICE, they should know their rights. The video explained that agents cannot enter private spaces like homes, schools, or hospitals without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Mamdani noted that these are frightening times for many people and advised viewers to remain silent. The post quickly gained over 7 million views.

Republican leaders on social media criticized the video, arguing it encourages obstruction of federal law enforcement. Representative Brandon Gill of Texas posted that it should be insulting that the mayor, a citizen for less than a decade, coaches illegal aliens in a foreign language on avoiding deportation. Senator Mike Lee of Utah stated that the video never urged anyone to abide by U.S. laws because it was not made for the benefit of the people of the United States. Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina wrote that if a person is here illegally, they are not a New Yorker. Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio simply labeled the message treason. Tomi Lahren, a Fox News commentator, said foreign born Democrats are instructing illegals to evade the law. Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, called the statement dangerous incitement filled with disturbing falsehoods. Actor Dean Cain posted that unless a person is there illegally, they have no reason to fear ICE, and described the mayor as dangerous.

Mamdani's office was reached for comment. The mayor has previously stated that the NYPD would not assist the agency with civil immigration enforcement. He described ICE operations as harmful to immigrant communities.

The next step in the policy debate involves the implementation of the city's new sanctuary protocols. City agencies are currently limiting data sharing with federal partners. The administration is also preparing to distribute the expanded know your rights materials to public employees.

The video remains live on the mayor's social media accounts. It continues to accumulate views and comments from across the political spectrum.