A New York City nonprofit, La Jornada, is under intense scrutiny after undercover footage emerged appearing to show its executive director, Pedro Rodriguez, advising a person posing as a noncitizen on how to vote illegally in the city’s upcoming mayoral election. The video, released by O’Keefe Media Group (OMG), has sparked renewed debate over election integrity, nonprofit compliance with federal law, and protections within local voting systems. According to OMG, the footage shows Rodriguez responding to an undercover journalist who explicitly claimed he was not registered to vote and not a U.S. citizen. Critics argue that the guidance given could violate both election law and restrictions on tax-exempt organizations, although legal authorities have yet to determine whether any actual violations occurred. The video also references a candidate whose name starts with “M,” interpreted by OMG as support for Mayor Zohran Mamdani, fueling political controversy amid an already contentious municipal environment.

OMG reports that the undercover journalist, posing as an unregistered immigrant, approached Rodriguez for voting advice. In the recording, the journalist admits he has not registered or completed official paperwork. Rodriguez allegedly acknowledges this but proceeds to discuss how he could still vote, including directing him to a local polling location at a community college. When asked whom to vote for, Rodriguez is reported to suggest a candidate whose name begins with “M,” which OMG claims references Mayor Mamdani. OMG founder James O’Keefe emphasized that Rodriguez appeared aware the individual was unregistered and ineligible to vote. O’Keefe argued that, if accurate, this could constitute violations of state and federal election laws as well as IRS rules prohibiting partisan political activity by 501(c)(3) organizations.

The controversy is particularly sensitive because voting by noncitizens in New York City elections is illegal. Though the city previously explored allowing noncitizen voting in limited local contests, courts blocked such efforts, leaving citizenship as a firm requirement. Critics contend the video raises concerns about how easily election laws could be circumvented if someone receives misleading or unlawful guidance. Advocates for stricter safeguards argue the footage underscores potential vulnerabilities in the city’s election processes, while La Jornada maintains its mission is to assist migrants with legal paperwork. The organization has not clarified whether Rodriguez’s statements reflect official policy, a misunderstanding, or selective editing of the footage. No criminal charges have been announced to date, leaving the legal implications unresolved.

Following the video release, O’Keefe and his team confronted Rodriguez, who denied instructing anyone to vote illegally or advocating for a particular candidate. Rodriguez disputed OMG’s interpretation, despite the journalist having clearly stated he was ineligible. This has created competing narratives: critics accuse the nonprofit of backtracking under public pressure, while supporters argue the footage is selectively edited or taken out of context. The incident has also drawn Mayor Mamdani into the debate, although he does not appear in the recording and is not accused of wrongdoing. Legal experts note that determining any violation would require assessing whether the advice amounted to intentional facilitation of illegal voting or impermissible political advocacy by a tax-exempt organization.

The controversy coincides with growing criticism of Mayor Mamdani after a recent transit fare increase in New York City. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority implemented a fare hike raising the base bus and subway fare from $2.90 to $3, with express buses increasing to $7.25 and reduced fares to $1.50. The timing, shortly after Mamdani assumed office, prompted public frustration due to his campaign promise to make city buses free. Although the mayor does not directly control MTA fare decisions, critics have framed the increase as evidence of a gap between campaign rhetoric and governance. Social media commentary has reflected mixed reactions: some blame the mayor for failing to deliver on promises, while others acknowledge the fare hike was approved under previous budget cycles, illustrating the challenges of aligning policy goals with existing infrastructure and funding constraints.

Combined, the nonprofit allegations and transit fare backlash have created a turbulent start to Mamdani’s mayoralty. Supporters argue he is being unfairly blamed for circumstances beyond his control, while critics see the controversies as reflecting deeper questions about governance, accountability, and the role of activist organizations in local politics. The undercover video continues circulating online, prompting calls for investigations into nonprofit conduct and election safeguards, even as questions about intent, context, and legal thresholds remain unresolved. Authorities have not announced formal action, yet the episode highlights how quickly politically charged footage can influence public perception and discourse. Whether the allegations lead to legal consequences or fade over time, the incident has intensified scrutiny of nonprofits, electoral processes, and political promises in New York City, issues likely to remain central during the upcoming election season.