New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani sparked backlash after releasing a video urging illegal immigrants to “thwart” and avoid federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. The Queens lawmaker, known for his far-left political activism, told viewers to “stand up to ICE” and resist cooperation with federal authorities. The message drew immediate criticism from law-enforcement advocates and immigration-security supporters concerned about elected officials encouraging defiance of federal law.
Mamdani’s recorded message circulated over the weekend and directly advised immigrants on how to evade detection during ICE operations. The assemblyman framed federal immigration enforcement as harmful to New York communities and encouraged viewers to warn others if agents were spotted. He also told immigrants to refuse communication with federal officers and avoid opening doors to authorities without warrants. The guidance mirrors tactics commonly promoted by activist groups that aim to block immigration enforcement in major cities.
The message arrives as federal data shows rising encounters of illegal border crossings and increased pressure on local jurisdictions already strained by shelter costs and social-service demands. Critics argue that Mamdani’s advice undermines federal authority and places communities at risk by discouraging cooperation with officers responsible for removing criminal offenders and investigating trafficking networks. Law-enforcement representatives warn that obstruction can compromise safety for both officers and civilians.
Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist representing Astoria, is part of a growing bloc of New York lawmakers pushing for sanctuary-style restrictions that limit federal cooperation. His latest video takes that effort further by directly teaching methods to obstruct enforcement. Immigration proponents argue that such rhetoric encourages lawlessness and fosters tension between state leaders and federal authorities. The Biden administration has faced mounting criticism from conservatives for lax border policies, and Mamdani’s video amplified concerns about activist politicians working to weaken what enforcement remains.
Federal officials have not yet commented on the video, but immigration-security advocates are calling for investigations into whether an elected official may have crossed the line by advising the public on how to interfere with federal operations. Supporters of strong border enforcement say the situation highlights a deeper ideological divide in New York, where some leaders now promote defiance instead of public safety. The controversy underscores ongoing national debates over immigration, sovereignty, and the role of state lawmakers in addressing — or worsening — the crisis.
