Non-Profit’s Plot To Instruct Non-Citizens How to Vote for Mamdani Uncovered

A New York City nonprofit organization is facing serious scrutiny after undercover video footage appeared to show its leadership advising a supposed noncitizen on how to illegally vote in November’s mayoral election — and subtly steering that vote toward Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

The footage, released by O’Keefe Media Group (OMG), shows an undercover journalist posing as an unregistered immigrant approaching the executive director of the nonprofit La Jornada and asking how to cast a ballot — and who to support. Despite federal and state laws barring noncitizens from voting in New York City elections, the director allegedly walked the individual through how to navigate the system anyway.

According to OMG, the nonprofit’s director suggested which candidate to support by advising the undercover journalist to vote for the candidate whose name begins with the letter “M,” a clear reference to Mamdani.

James O’Keefe, founder of the investigative journalism group, posted the footage to X, writing: “La Jornada Executive Director Pedro Rodriguez Tells Undercover OMG Journalist Posing as an Unregistered Migrant to ‘Vote for the Guy That Starts with ‘M’ – Despite 501(c)(3) Regulation Prohibiting Political Activity by Tax-Exempt Organizations. Rodriguez Acknowledges Knowing the Individual Is ‘Not Registered’ Before Advising him How to Vote – a Potential Violation of Federal & State Election Laws.”

The exchange raises significant concerns not only about election integrity but also about the political activity of tax-exempt organizations, which are legally prohibited from engaging in partisan electioneering.

The video shows the director of La Jornada — a nonprofit that promotes itself as assisting migrants with paperwork and legal needs — speaking with the undercover journalist, who identified himself as a noncitizen sent to find voting information.

“Yes, I’m an immigrant. They sent me here to vote. I was recommended to come here to find information to vote. I was given two, dos locations. Forgive me, I am, no Espanol,” said OMG correspondent Mike Casey during the encounter.

“No, this is perfect for me,” Rodriguez replied, before asking when the individual had registered to vote.

“I did not, I didn’t sign anything. They just told me to come here to vote,” Casey said.

“You’re not registered? Okay,” the director responded.

Despite acknowledging the individual was not registered and not a citizen, OMG reported that Rodriguez still instructed him to go vote at a local community college. Under New York law, voting as a noncitizen is illegal, though critics have long warned that the city’s weak voter verification systems invite abuse.

When later confronted by O’Keefe and his team, Rodriguez denied instructing the undercover journalist to vote for Mamdani, despite the recorded exchange and the journalist’s repeated statements that he was not legally eligible to vote.

The controversy adds to mounting criticism surrounding Mamdani, a self-described “democratic socialist,” who has already faced backlash this week after New York City transit fares rose — despite his campaign promise to make buses free.

New York City riders began paying higher fares after the Metropolitan Transportation Authority implemented a long-planned increase, raising the base fare for buses and subways from $2.90 to $3. Reduced fares climbed to $1.50, while express bus fares rose to $7.25, according to Newsweek.

The fare hike took effect shortly after Mamdani assumed office as mayor, prompting frustration from residents who remembered his pledge to eliminate bus fares altogether.

Critics argue the increase underscores the growing disconnect between progressive campaign rhetoric and the fiscal realities of governing America’s largest city. Although the mayor does not directly control MTA fare decisions, the timing reignited debate over whether sweeping transit promises can be fulfilled without massive new taxes or taxpayer subsidies. The MTA board approved the increase last year, citing rising operating costs and inflation.

After taking office, Mamdani declared: “Getting on a bus without worrying about a fare hike or whether you’ll be late to your destination will no longer be deemed a small miracle—because we will make buses fast and free.”

Still, social media users were quick to push back. As Newsweek reported, one X user wrote: “Mamdani promised us a free ride, but all we got is a higher fare.”

Another posted: “Bus and Subway fares in NYC are jumping to $3 as of today. The good mayor promised free. Hoodwinked!”

A third user attempted to deflect blame, writing that Mamdani “has been in office for just weeks” and “the fare increase was set in September.”

As President Donald J. Trump continues his second term emphasizing election integrity, border enforcement, and accountability for taxpayer-funded organizations, the allegations involving La Jornada and New York City’s mayoral race are likely to fuel renewed calls for tighter oversight, stronger voter verification, and aggressive enforcement of federal election law.