Mayor‑elect Zohran Mamdani dropped a video on X this Sunday in which he urged undocumented residents to take action against ICE agents, encouraging them to “stand up” and “know your rights.” The Democratic‑socialist described himself as the mayor for “more than 3 million immigrants” after a raid in Chinatown last weekend that was halted by a wave of protesters.
In the clip, Mamdani reminded viewers that ICE’s attempt to detain neighbors on Canal Street had failed and promised that, as mayor, he would defend every New Yorker’s rights—especially those of the city’s immigrant community. He highlighted that ICE cannot enter private places—homes, schools, or separate work areas—without a warrant signed by a judge, and showed an example of such a warrant on his screen.
He also explained that you can assert, “I do not consent to entry,” and keep your door closed, and that ICE may show paperwork that isn’t a judicial warrant. Mamdani said ICE can lie, but you may remain silent or keep asking, “Am I free to go?” until they answer, and that you have the right to film ICE so long as you don’t interfere with an arrest.
“New Yorkers have the constitutional right to protest, and when I’m mayor we will protect that right,” he added, pledging to uphold the liberties of the city’s vast immigrant population.
The video sparked a sharp backlash from conservatives who worry that Mamdani’s stance could heighten friction with the federal administration once he takes office. Political commentators such as Carmine Sabia and Liz Rios criticized him on X, calling his advice a “bromance” with Trump that ignores immigration laws, and accusing him of “aiding, abetting and advising criminals.” Another user praised him as “the best gift Democrats have ever handed to the GOP.”
Last Saturday’s raid saw nearly 200 demonstrators block ICE officers from a Lower Manhattan parking garage. It was the city’s second major raid in six weeks, following earlier arrests of nine undocumented immigrants in October.
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