Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani wasted no time showing New Yorkers exactly where his loyalties lie — and spoiler alert, it’s not with law-abiding citizens. In a video message posted Sunday, the self-described democratic socialist offered practical tips to illegal immigrants on how to thwart and evade ICE. Yes, the mayor-elect of America’s largest city is now giving advice on how to sidestep federal law enforcement. What could go wrong?
Standing proudly beside a flip chart scribbled with “Know your rights,” Mamdani declared himself the mayor of “more than 3 million immigrants,” making sure to include the 412,000 who are in the country illegally. Because nothing says “public service” like openly coaching people on how to avoid the law.
He referenced last weekend’s ICE raid in Chinatown — a raid protesters disrupted — and used it as a rallying cry:
“Last weekend, ICE attempted to raid Canal Street and detain our immigrant neighbors,” he said. “As mayor, I’ll protect the rights of every single New Yorker.”
And apparently that begins with instructing illegal immigrants exactly how to stonewall federal agents.
Mamdani explained that ICE “cannot enter your home, school, or private area of your workplace without a judicial warrant,” holding up an example like he was walking viewers through a classroom lesson. He reminded illegal immigrants they can say, “I do not consent to entry,” keep the door shut, and ask ICE officers repeatedly, “Am I free to go?”
He even warned them that ICE “is legally allowed to lie to you,” but reassured them that they have “the right to remain silent.” And, naturally, he encouraged filming officers — as long as it doesn’t interfere with an arrest. A generous touch.
The mayor-elect wrapped his message by celebrating New Yorkers’ “constitutional right to protest,” promising to protect it once he takes office. Given the number of protests that already erupt anytime someone attempts to enforce immigration law, he should have plenty to keep him busy.
Not surprisingly, the video sparked immediate backlash from the right. Critics pointed out the obvious — that illegal immigrants are, by definition, violating the law, and that giving them a tutorial on how to evade ICE might not be the most responsible move for a soon-to-be mayor.
Conservative commentator Carmine Sabia asked the question everyone else was thinking: “Then you ignore laws that you do not like? We should not bother to have borders or immigration laws?”
Others called Mamdani’s instructions “aiding and abetting” criminals, and one user noted that Democrats couldn’t have provided a better gift to the GOP if they tried.
This all comes after Mamdani’s surprisingly friendly sit-down with President Trump at the White House last month — a moment many hoped signaled a more grounded approach. But if this video is any indication, that goodwill may evaporate quickly as federal immigration authorities and Mamdani’s incoming administration move toward a collision course.
The White House and DHS did not immediately comment — but one thing is for sure: Between ICE, City Hall, and a Trump administration that actually believes in enforcing the law, New Yorkers may finally see some clarity return to immigration policy. And clarity, after all the chaos, is always a good thing.
