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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced viral backlash on Friday after posting instructions in Spanish on how residents should handle interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“If you encounter ICE, here’s what every New Yorker should know,” the socialist mayor of the nation’s largest city posted on X on Friday in a message that quickly racked up over 7 million views.
Mamdani explained “what every New Yorker should know” if they “encounter ICE,” adding 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 reminded New Yorkers they have the right to remain silent and gives tips on best practices for interacting with ICE, saying that “these are very frightening times for many people.”
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks at a press conference at Deno’s Wonder Wheel on Coney Island in the New York City borough of Brooklyn on Feb. 15, 2026. (Kyle Mazza/Anadolu/Getty Images)
Mamdani’s post was quickly criticized by conservatives on social media, with many characterizing the video as the mayor 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.
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“Unless you’re here illegally, you have no reason to fear ICE,” actor Dean Cain posted on X. “This wanker is dangerous.”
“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.”
“Treason,” Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, posted on X.
“Here we are in 2026 with 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,” Fox News commentator Tomi Lahren posted on X.
“Dangerous incitement full of disturbing falsehoods by communist terrorist supporter @NYCMayor,” Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton posted on X. “This statement could put lives in danger.”
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks during a press conference at the site where a man was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer during an operation in the Bronx on Oct. 8, 2026, in New York City. (Ryan Murphy/Getty Images)
Fox News Digital reached out to Mamdani’s office for comment.
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 and said the NYPD would not assist the agency with civil immigration enforcement. He has 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.