Mamdani's ICE video reaches 7 million views before national pushback

New York City residents received specific guidance on their rights during interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Friday. Mayor Zohran Mamdani posted a Spanish-language video on X that accumulated over 7 million views. The post outlined procedures for citizens encountering federal agents.

Mamdani stated that ICE cannot enter private spaces such as homes, schools, hospitals, or private workplace areas without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. He advised viewers to remain silent and noted that the current climate is frightening for many people. The message served as a practical resource for the city's Spanish-speaking population.

The post triggered a rapid response from Republican leaders who questioned the mayor's authority and tone. Representative Brandon Gill of Texas argued that a mayor who became a citizen less than a decade ago was coaching residents in a foreign language on how to avoid lawful deportation. He described the video as insulting to American citizens.

Senator Mike Lee of Utah criticized the content for failing to urge viewers to abide by U.S. laws. He stated the video was not made for the benefit of the broader United States. Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio used the word treason to describe the mayor's message. Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina asserted that only legal residents should be considered New Yorkers.

Public figures also weighed in on the social media platform. Actor Dean Cain called the mayor dangerous and stated that those not here illegally have no reason to fear ICE. Fox News commentator Tomi Lahren described the video as an instruction manual for evading the law. Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, labeled the post as dangerous incitement containing falsehoods.

Mamdani has maintained a firm stance against the Trump administration's immigration agenda. During his campaign and early tenure, he called for the abolition of ICE. He indicated that the NYPD would not assist the agency with civil enforcement. His office did not respond to requests for comment regarding the viral post.

The mayor recently signed an executive order to strengthen New York City's sanctuary policies. This directive limits city agency cooperation with federal immigration authorities. It protects personal information and sets protocols for handling ICE requests for city property or records. The order also expanded rights-based training for municipal employees.