NYC Mayor Mamdani Posts Spanish-Language Video on Rights During ICE Encounters, Drawing Republican Criticism
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Friday posted a roughly 90-second Spanish-language video on social media explaining the rights people have when they encounter U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. According to the New York Post's October 24 report, Mamdani opens the video in Spanish: 'If you encounter ICE, these are your rights.'
In the video, he says ICE agents cannot legally enter private spaces without a judicial order, and tells viewers to look for the words 'United States District Court' and a judge's signature on any document, even suggesting they ask agents to 'pass the order under the door.' He adds that people questioned by ICE on the street have the right to remain silent, suggests asking 'Am I free to go?' during an encounter, and advises not signing any documents without first consulting a lawyer. He closes by sharing the city's legal support hotline and noting that New Yorkers have 'the right to protest,' pledging to 'protect that right.'
The video drew swift criticism from Republican lawmakers and conservative figures. Senator Mike Lee of Utah wrote on X: 'At no point in this video is anyone urged to abide by the laws of the United States, because it was not made for the benefit of the people of the United States.' Senator Rick Scott of Florida called the clip 'Unbelievable' and argued Mamdani was 'openly helping illegal aliens evade ICE and undermine the law.' Representative Nick LaLota of New York fumed that Mamdani used 'taxpayer resources to instruct illegals, in Spanish, how to evade accountability.' Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio responded with one word: 'Treason.' Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton called the statement 'dangerous incitement.'
Mamdani has been critical of the Trump administration's efforts to apprehend and deport illegal immigrants. The report did not include a response from Mamdani or the mayor's office to the criticism. (GSM, based on reporting by the New York Post)
Source: GSM, United States
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 纽约市长 Zohran Mamdani 就职典礼照（NYC Mayor's Office，Wikimedia Commons，CC BY 4.0）
