NEW YORK — New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are facing criticism after promoting New York City’s free childcare programs in a Spanish-language advertisement that opponents say appeared to encourage undocumented immigrants to enroll.

The video, which circulated on social media this week, highlights city-funded early childhood education and childcare options and urges Spanish-speaking families to apply. Critics argue the messaging implied eligibility regardless of immigration status, while supporters say the ad simply aimed to inform immigrant communities about available services.

Critics Call Ad Misleading

Several Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators accused the pair of encouraging undocumented immigrants to access taxpayer-funded benefits. Some also criticized the tone and delivery of the Spanish-language outreach, describing it as politically motivated.

Opponents claim the messaging could blur the line between services available to all city residents and programs that have specific eligibility requirements.

3

Ocasio-Cortez corrected Mamdani’s Spanish in several moments in the scripted clip.

Supporters Defend Outreach

Backers of Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez say the ad reflects an effort to ensure immigrant families — many of whom may qualify for certain municipal programs — are aware of available childcare resources. They note that New York City has long funded early childhood education initiatives aimed at broad access, including for mixed-status households where children may be U.S. citizens.

Advocates also argue that language-access outreach is standard practice in a city where nearly half of residents speak a language other than English at home.

Neither Mamdani nor Ocasio-Cortez has publicly addressed the backlash in detail, though supporters have characterized the criticism as politically driven.

3

Critics slammed the mayor for handing out freebies to illegal immigrants.Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani/X

Broader Political Context

The dispute highlights ongoing national debates over immigration policy and access to public benefits. In New York City, questions around housing, education and social services for migrants have become increasingly contentious amid rising arrivals and strained municipal budgets.

City officials have not indicated any changes to childcare eligibility rules following the controversy.

As the debate unfolds, the episode underscores how immigration and public benefits remain flashpoints in both local and national politics.