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He followed up by telling migrants exactly what to say if ICE knocks. According to Mamdani, individuals should assert: “I do not consent to entry,” and keep the door closed no matter what. He then reminded viewers that ICE agents can use deception, saying plainly: “ICE is legally allowed to lie to you. But you have the right to remain silent. If you are being detained, you may always ask, ‘Am I free to go?’ repeatedly until they answer you.”
The mayor-elect didn’t stop there. He instructed viewers on how to record federal enforcement operations, saying individuals are “legally allowed to film ICE, as long as you do not interfere with an arrest.” The video concluded with Mamdani attempting to rally political activists, proclaiming: “New Yorkers have a constitutional right to protest, and when I’m mayor, we will protect that right.”
For many New Yorkers, this was no surprise. Throughout his campaign, Mamdani repeatedly pledged to weaken the city’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities. He boasted about representing “more than 3 million immigrants” and promised, “As mayor, I’ll protect the rights of every single New Yorker. And that includes the more than 3 million immigrants who call this city their home.”
His platform was built on fortifying New York’s “Sanctuary City” status—policies that prevent local agencies from assisting federal immigration officers. Following his election, Mamdani doubled down, announcing, “My message to ICE agents and to everyone across this city is that everyone will be held to the same standard of the law. If you violate the law, you must be held accountable,” echoing far-left Democrats who have threatened repercussions for federal agents performing their duties.
Mamdani has long painted ICE as the villain, previously calling it “a rogue agency, one that has no interest in laws, no interest in order.” He has vowed to expand city-funded legal defense programs for illegal immigrants living in New York, promising even more taxpayer-backed support for those in the country unlawfully.
Naturally, his rise has not gone unnoticed at the national level. During the election cycle, President Donald Trump condemned Mamdani’s ties to radical political groups, labeling him a “communist lunatic” and warning that his leadership would devastate the city. Mamdani responded with the same hostility, repeatedly referring to Trump as a “fascist” and pledging political resistance to him at every turn.
Trump ultimately endorsed Mamdani’s opponent, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and warned that a Mamdani administration could jeopardize federal funding if he chooses to obstruct ICE or defy federal authority—something Mamdani has openly promised to do.
As the mayor-elect prepares to take office, one thing is clear: his approach to immigration enforcement is already dividing the city, challenging federal authority, and setting the stage for a massive political showdown the moment he steps into City Hall.
