Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani Defends Video on Immigrant Rights After Federal Criticism

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has defended a video he released on Sunday that urged residents to understand their rights when confronted by federal immigration agents.

The video, posted on Twitter, framed New York City as a place where more than 3 million immigrants deserve protection.

Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) attempted a raid at Canal Street and emphasized that New Yorkers must know how to respond when approached by federal officers.

He warned that ICE cannot enter private spaces without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Mamdani’s video also cautioned that agents may present misleading paperwork and asserted residents have the right to state they do not consent to entry and remain silent.

The mayor-elect noted that New Yorkers are legally permitted to film ICE as long as they do not interfere with an arrest. He urged calm behavior and reminded residents of their constitutional right to protest.

Following criticism from federal officials, Mamdani defended the video in a Wednesday interview. He stated his administration would resist President Donald Trump’s expanded immigration crackdown and hold any ICE officer who violates city law accountable.

Mamdani added that New York’s sanctuary laws will remain intact and the NYPD will not assist ICE in immigration enforcement. He argued that the city’s own police force is capable of maintaining public safety without federal intervention.

In a November Oval Office meeting, Mamdani told President Trump that recent raids in the city were cruel and inhumane. He also asserted that New York does not need ICE or National Guard involvement to keep residents safe.

The dispute escalated after Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized his video during a Fox News interview. Noem claimed that Mamdani’s comments may have violated the Constitution and said federal officials were reviewing the matter with the Department of Justice.

When asked if he was prepared for arrest for refusing to comply with the crackdown, Mamdani replied that he is ready for any consequence from standing up for New Yorkers.