New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani released a video in Spanish informing his constituents of their constitutional rights when interacting with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. The video offers guidance on how to respond when ICE agents seek to enter private homes or businesses amid the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies.
“In a document, look for the words ‘United States District Court’ and a judge’s signature,” Mamdani said. “You can ask the officers to pass the order under the door. If they do not have a judicial warrant, you can leave the door closed and say, ‘I do not consent to your entry.’”
“Second, you have the right to remain silent. If ICE stops you on the street, ask, ‘Am I free to go?’ If the agent says yes, walk away calmly. Speak with a lawyer before signing any documents or making any decisions about your immigration status or case,” Mamdani added.
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The video drew backlash from Republicans, who accused the mayor of “encouraging obstruction of federal law enforcement and encouraging illegal immigration.”
“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,” Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, posted on X.
“At no point in this video is anyone urged to abide by the laws of the United States,” Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, posted on X. “Because it was not made for the benefit of the people of the United States.”
“If you’re here illegally, you’re not a New Yorker,” Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., posted on X. “Period.”
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Mamdani has long criticized ICE’s operations. In July, he called for the agency’s abolition following the killing of a 26-year-old Colombian man who was authorized to work in the United States. He also said New York City opposed ICE’s actions and would not be complicit in them, adding that the city would ensure all municipal agencies complied with its sanctuary city policies.
“It means that we do not allow ICE agents into our schools, our hospitals, our city property unless they can provide a judicial warrant signed by a judge,” he said. “It means that we don’t assist ICE with their civil immigration enforcement.”
Mamdani also 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 calls for “know your rights” materials and training for city employees.