Backlash Over NYC Officials’ Spanish-Language Childcare Promo

Mayor Zoran Mamdani and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently faced significant online criticism for encouraging undocumented immigrants to sign up for free childcare in New York City, using a controversial Spanish-language video.

The Democratic socialists seemed to fumble through their message, sharing a warning on social media about the approaching deadline for registering for free 3K and pre-kindergarten care.

“My Spanish…isn’t exactly great. But the push for universal childcare? That’s fantastic,” Mamdani wrote in a post accompanying a nearly three-minute video on X.

“So I brought along a friend to explain why it’s crucial to get registered for 3-K and Pre-K this week. Let’s help them get signed up.”

In the video, once the host reminded parents of the registration deadline, Ocasio-Cortez entered the frame, continuing in Spanish and correcting her own pronunciation with a grin.

“Any parent in New York City can register their child, regardless of their job, income, or immigration status,” she stated, emphasizing that applications are available in over 200 languages. “We’ve simplified the application process for everyone because no family should be left out based on the language they speak.”

The video wrapped up with the two exchanging high-fives and exclaiming “Muy bien!”

Critics were quick to respond, with some comparing the video to a scene from “Saturday Night Live,” suggesting it placed immigrants ahead of American citizens.

One user expressed frustration, asking, “Hey AOC, why not focus on solutions that help working Americans earn more?” Another questioned the need for tax increases, saying, “Is this why we need to raise taxes?”

Some also took issue with their use of Spanish, with one critic commenting, “AOC’s Spanish sounds worse than terrible dubbing,” and another added, “It’s like hearing a liberal white woman say ‘gracias’ when her food arrives at a Mexican restaurant.”