NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Sparks Backlash Over ICE Advice

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani sparked a viral backlash on Friday after sharing Spanish-language instructions on how residents should interact with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The socialist mayor of the nation's largest city posted these tips on X, where the message quickly gathered over 7 million views. He wrote that "what every New Yorker should know" is that ICE "cannot enter private spaces like your home, school, hospitals or private areas of a workplace without a judicial warrant signed by a judge." Mamdani also reminded citizens they have the right to remain silent and offered advice on best practices for dealing with federal agents. He noted that "these are very frightening times for many people."

The post drew sharp criticism from conservatives online who claimed it encouraged obstruction of federal law enforcement and supported illegal immigration. Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, argued on X that "It should be insulting to every American that the mayor of our largest city is a guy who became a citizen less than a decade ago and now spends his time coaching illegal aliens in a foreign language on how they can avoid being lawfully deported." Actor Dean Cain responded by saying, "Unless you're here illegally, you have no reason to fear ICE," before adding that the mayor was dangerous. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, stated that "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 Americans.

Other officials joined the fray with harsh remarks. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., posted that "If you're here illegally, you're not a New Yorker," followed by the word "Period." Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, simply labeled the situation "Treason." Fox News commentator Tomi Lahren wrote on X about "foreign born Democrats instructing illegals how to evade the law and remain in our country to suck off our system and best case scenario free load off our hard work." Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton called it "Dangerous incitement full of disturbing falsehoods by communist terrorist supporter @NYCMayor" and warned that such statements could put lives at risk. Fox News Digital reached out to Mamdani's office for a comment but received no response yet.

Mayor Mamdani has repeatedly positioned himself against ICE and the Trump administration's immigration-enforcement agenda. During his campaign and after taking office, he called for abolishing ICE entirely and said the NYPD would not assist the agency with civil immigration enforcement. He also described ICE operations as harmful to immigrant communities. As mayor, Mamdani signed an executive order strengthening New York City's sanctuary policies. The order directs city agencies to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, protect personal information, and establish protocols for handling ICE requests to access city property or records. It also called for expanded "know your rights" materials and training for city employees.