DHS Secretary Kristi Noem
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani could be "violating the Constitution" after releasing a video instructing residents on how to respond during encounters with federal immigration agents.

"If he were mayor, [he] could be violating the Constitution by giving advice on how to evade law enforcement and how to get away with breaking the law," Noem said in an interview on Fox News' "Hannity."

The video in question, posted by Mamdani on Sunday, advises New Yorkers that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents cannot enter homes, schools, or private workplace areas without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. "We can all stand up to ICE if you know your rights," Mamdani said, adding that immigrants have the right to keep their doors closed if presented with paperwork that is not a judicial warrant.

Mamdani also noted that "ICE is legally allowed to lie to you," urging individuals to remain silent and ask, "Am I free to go?" if detained. He said New Yorkers are legally permitted to film ICE activity if they do not obstruct enforcement.

The guidance followed demonstrations in Lower Manhattan after ICE detained several people last week. Mamdani said his incoming administration would "protect the rights of every single New Yorker and that includes the more than 3 million immigrants who call this city their home." He's also said he intends to uphold sanctuary policies and has raised concerns about deportations directly with President Donald Trump.

Noem criticized what she described as escalating hostility toward immigration officers:

"That rhetoric absolutely encourages these violent attacks. In fact, we had a congresswoman attack our ICE law enforcement officers. We've had them show up at ICE facilities and CBP facilities and harass these enforcement officers, use vile language, spit on them"

Noem also went after other politicians that, in her opinion, encourage violent attacks agains ICE officers:

"They're supposed to be leaders, they're supposed to be examples that we can point to, and we wouldn't raise our children to do the things that they do. We would be ashamed of our kids for acting the way that these grown adults act that are supposed to be some of the best in the country, that lead us and protect our Constitution and our country's freedoms"

Noem's comments come amid reports earlier in the week that President Trump is weighing potential changes in DHS leadership. The Bulwark reported that former DHS officials believe internal discussions about Noem's future have intensified, though the White House has denied she is at risk of removal.

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