Mamdani’s Tribute To New York Immigrants Has A Few Exceptions

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani highlighted thirty immigrant neighborhoods in a recent post — and caught immediate backlash because he failed to mention Little Italy.

The famous Italian neighborhood in Lower Manhattan has been a cultural landmark since the 1880s — meaning that it was established long before many of the other neighborhoods Mamdani honored, such as Little Yemen, Little Palestine, and Little Bangladesh.

Mayor Mamdani’s map of NYC immigrant neighborhoods sparks outrage for ignoring Little Italy: ‘Terrible mistake’ https://t.co/dR97RS7CPz pic.twitter.com/dKvqap5K2a

— New York Post (@nypost) July 8, 2026

In addition to the fact that Little Italy has been around far longer than the other highlighted neighborhoods, it is also one of the most visited, consistently placing on top things to see in New York City travel lists. 

Also noticeably missing from the map is “Little Ireland” in Woodlawn Heights, the northernmost part of the Bronx. Mamdani’s Office of Immigrant Affairs has since removed the map, but a series of immigrant enclave illustrations remain — and Little Italy and Little Ireland are still conspicuously absent.

NYC Mayor’s Office

The artist who drew the immigrant enclave illustrations is Celia Deming-Bernstein, whose work has also been featured in the anti-Trump, ‘No Kings’ movement. One of her recent pieces shows President Donald Trump depicted as the wolf from the fairytale “Little Red Riding Hood” and was titled “Predator President.” When she presented her immigrant enclave illustrations on social media, she captioned her drawings, “No One Is Illegal On Stolen Land.” 

NYC Mayor’s Office

A spokesperson for the Mayor’s Office told the New York Post, “The immigrant enclave series began during the [Eric] Adams’ administration, and we are planning to add more neighborhoods in the upcoming months.”

The illustrations come with instructions on how to promote and share them. “Today, we kick off #ImmigrantHeritageWeek by paying tribute to all the ways immigrant New Yorkers are central to our city’s workforce and economy, bringing our city to life every day. #ImmigrantsPowerNewYork.”

Mamdani’s administration is not only pro-immigrant but pro-illegal immigration. In his speech for America’s 250th birthday, he highlighted immigrant struggles including the “laws enacted by the federal government to bar their entry.” Mamdani’s administration has passed stronger sanctuary city policies, including an executive order that prohibits ICE from entering city property.