Mayor's Spanish-language ICE guide draws 7 million views

A video posted by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has been viewed more than 7 million times since Friday. The clip offers guidance in Spanish on how residents should conduct themselves if they interact with agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Mamdani, who identifies as a socialist, shared the message on X on Friday. He stated, "If you encounter ICE, here's what every New Yorker should know." The post quickly became a focal point for political debate.

In the video, Mamdani explains that ICE agents generally cannot enter private spaces without a judicial warrant. He lists specific locations where agents need a judge's signature to enter, including homes, schools, hospitals, and private areas of workplaces. The mayor also advises residents that they have the right to remain silent during interactions. He noted that these are "very frightening times for many people" and provided tips on best practices for dealing with federal agents.

Conservative leaders on social media reacted sharply to the post. Many argued that the video encourages residents to obstruct federal law enforcement or implies that the city is hiding illegal immigrants. Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas criticized Mamdani for coaching "illegal aliens in a foreign language." Gill noted that Mamdani became a citizen less than a decade ago. Actor Dean Cain called the mayor "dangerous" and stated that legal residents have no reason to fear ICE.

Sen. Mike Lee of Utah pointed out that the video never urges anyone to abide by U.S. laws. He argued that the message was not made for the benefit of the United States. Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina simplified the issue with the statement, "If you're here illegally, you're not a New Yorker." Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio used a single word to describe the action, posting "Treason" on X. Tomi Lahren of Fox News called it a case of foreign-born Democrats instructing residents on how to evade the law.

Mamdani has long opposed the Trump administration's immigration enforcement agenda. During his campaign, he called for abolishing ICE entirely. After taking office, he said the New York Police Department would not assist ICE with civil immigration enforcement. As mayor, he signed an executive order to strengthen the city's sanctuary policies. That order limits cooperation between city agencies and federal immigration authorities and protects personal information. It also requires expanded "know your rights" materials for city employees. Fox News Digital reached out to Mamdani's office for comment on the viral reaction.