NYC Immigrants Back Progressive Candidates Over ICE, Costs

Immigrant Voters Flip Three NYC Congressional Races

In three New York Democratic primary races, progressive challengers defeated long-serving incumbents. In New York's 13th Congressional District — which covers Washington Heights and Harlem — community organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier beat five-term Congressman Adriano Espaillat, who was chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Queens Assemblymember Claire Valdez won the Democratic nomination for New York's 7th Congressional District. And former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander defeated two-term incumbent Dan Goldman in New York's 10th Congressional District. All three winning candidates were endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Voters who spoke with the outlet Documented said their top concerns were the high cost of living, immigration enforcement, and feeling ignored by mainstream Democrats. Six voters interviewed in Washington Heights — a neighborhood with a large Dominican American community — all mentioned the cost of living. Judith Jiménez, 57, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic who has lived in the US since 1989, said she is worried about protecting her right to vote. She pointed to the Trump administration's push for denaturalization (the process of taking away someone's US citizenship) and stricter voter registration rules. "We have to keep our rights to vote. This is something that is valuable. We cannot afford to lose it," she said.

Why Voters Wanted Change on Immigration

Christina Greer, a political science professor at Fordham University, told Documented that the results show voters are unhappy with the mainstream Democratic Party's positions on affordability and immigration. She noted that many voters expected more from Espaillat — who was the first formerly undocumented immigrant elected to Congress — especially on immigration. "A lot of folks are like, why is he not a leader on immigration? Why don't we see him fighting Donald Trump tooth and nail?" Greer said. The winning candidates campaigned on sweeping progressive policies, including abolishing ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), establishing universal healthcare, and ending US support for ongoing wars.

Not every progressive won. In New York's 6th Congressional District, which covers parts of Queens, progressive candidate Chuck Park lost to seven-term incumbent Grace Meng by 15 percentage points. Some voters there said Meng did not reflect their concerns, including opposition to a proposed casino near Citi Field and her funding from pro-Israel groups. Ellen Young, 74 — the first Asian woman elected to the New York State Legislature — said the results were also a message about Asian-American political power. "If we cannot have a huge influence on the outcome from the voting result, at least we can show that we care about each election," she said.

What to Do

• If you are a naturalized US citizen (someone who went through the naturalization process to become a citizen), know that the Trump administration has pursued denaturalization in some cases. Lawyers recommend reviewing your naturalization documents and consulting an immigration attorney if you have any concerns about your status.
• If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and want to protect your right to vote in the future, consider starting the naturalization process (applying for US citizenship using Form N-400). You may apply if you have held your green card for at least 3–5 years, depending on your situation.
• Stay informed about local candidates' positions on immigration enforcement, ICE arrests, and deportation defense — these policies directly affect immigrant communities.
• If you are in removal proceedings (the legal process where the government tries to deport you) or have received a deportation order, contact an immigration lawyer as soon as possible. Your rights may depend on acting quickly.