New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani’s message to residents on how to deal with an ICE encounter has both critics and supporters talking.
“If you encounter ICE, here’s what every New Yorker should know,” Mamdani, 35, addressed his constituents in a video shared via X on Friday, October 23.
The politician — who delivered his message in Spanish — went on to share laws pertaining to ICE, including the requirement for a judicial order and what New Yorkers should look for if presented with an apparent document. Mamdani also informed residents that they have a right to remain silent, and are not required to let agents into private areas.
The video quickly went viral, with more than 8 million views by Monday, drawing praise and criticism from opposing sides of the political spectrum.
“I remember the days when we had American politicians who stood up for and put first American people,” one conservative user voiced via X. “Now…this is what you have.”
“I’m kind of curious. Could telling criminals in your city how to evade arrest and deportation be considered aiding and abetting a crime?” another questioned.
Supporters of the democratic mayor were equally as vocal, with many begging, “Can you train the other mayors?”
“I thought when Dolly Parton passed we had lost our last Earth Angel, but my mayor is restoring my hope there may be a few left,” another wrote.
Mamdani won the New York City mayoral election in November 2025, beating out Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa and former New York Governor and Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo to become the city’s first Muslim mayor.
According to Gothamist, who cited government data, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has conducted more than 19,500 arrests in New York state during President Trump’s second term.
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Message to New Yorkers About Dealing With ICE Sparks Debate
