Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez found themselves at the center of a social media storm after releasing a Spanish-language advertisement that encouraged undocumented immigrants to enroll their children in New York City’s free childcare programs. The ad, which some critics found awkward, aimed to inform migrant parents about the approaching deadline for 3-K and Pre-K enrollment.
In the video shared on various platforms on Tuesday, Ocasio-Cortez and Mamdani struggled through their Spanish lines. Ocasio-Cortez assured New York City parents that their eligibility for these programs is not restricted by their job, income, or immigration status, emphasizing that applications are accessible in over 200 languages.
“We’ve simplified the application process for everyone,” Ocasio-Cortez stated, stressing that no family should be excluded from these opportunities due to language barriers. Her involvement in the video was partly to assist Mayor Mamdani with the Spanish language, a task he humorously acknowledged.
Mayor Mamdani, in a lighthearted nod to his linguistic challenges, captioned the video on X by admitting, “My Spanish is… no bueno. But the fight for universal childcare? Muy bueno.” This nearly three-minute clip aimed to amplify the message of inclusivity and accessibility for all New York City families, regardless of their background.
The congresswoman, who reps the Bronx and Queens, was brought into the video by the mayor for help with his Spanish.
“My Spanish is… no bueno. But the fight for universal childcare? Muy bueno,” Mamdani captioned the nearly three-minute clip on X.
“So I brought a friend to help me tell you why signing up for 3-K and Pre-K this week matters. Let’s get them enrolled.”
In the video, Hizzoner reminds parents to register their kids by Friday before grinning as Ocasio-Cortez jumps into frame, continuing in Spanish and occasionally correcting his pronunciation while breaking down the city’s program.
The wince-worthy clip ends with the duo high-fiving and shouting, “Muy bien!”
Critics slammed the video – with one likening it to a “Saturday Night Live” sketch – arguing it prioritized immigrants over American citizens.
“Hey AOC imagine you put this much effort into ideas to help working Americans earn more money,” one user raged, while another fumed “Is this why there needs to be a tax increase?”
Others panned the pair for their Spanish delivery.
“AoC’s ‘Spanish’ sounds worse than the worst dub,” a digital naysayer added.
“Sounds just like hearing a white liberal woman say GRACIASSS when a waiter brings her food at a Mexican restaurant.”
