Fil-Am Leader Enzo Manzano Slams Deportation Threats, Defends Zohran Mamdani from Trump’s “Dangerous Rhetoric”

NEW YORK — Filipino American community advocate Enzo Manzano has issued a strong rebuke against President Donald Trump’s recent threats of mass deportations — including a pointed remark allegedly directed at New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani.

Manzano criticized what he described as "bullying tactics" intended to stoke fear among immigrant communities and distract from the urgent economic challenges facing working families.

“Assemblymember Mamdani is an elected official — a public servant who represents his district with integrity,” Manzano said. “For Trump to threaten someone like him, who is legally in the United States and working to improve people’s lives, is not only unfounded but dangerous. It goes against what America is supposed to stand for.”

Trump reportedly questioned Mamdani’s immigration status during a recent campaign event, fueling online attacks and sparking outrage among immigrant and progressive groups. Mamdani, a Ugandan-born, Indian American lawmaker representing Queens, is a U.S. citizen.

“It’s disturbing,” Manzano added. “When president targets a sitting assemblymember simply because he speaks out for immigrant rights and progressive values, it sets a terrifying precedent.”

Manzano warned that such rhetoric has a chilling effect on immigrant communities, particularly in diverse cities like New York, which he described as “built by immigrants.”

“This is a city of immigrants,” he said. “We don’t back down when bullies come for our communities. And we’re grateful to have leaders like Zohran Mamdani and our incoming mayor, Zamdani, who are willing to fight back.”

Manzano also addressed Trump’s broader political strategy, accusing the former president of resorting to viral soundbites instead of real solutions.

“Trump says what he thinks will trend on social media — what will get likes and attention. But these are cheap attacks. They don’t help working families who are struggling with rent, groceries, education, and healthcare,” Manzano said.

He added that Trump’s recent policy proposals, including a reported 1% remittance tax and expanded tariffs on foreign goods, would hurt the very people he once promised to help.

“Donald Trump lied,” Manzano said bluntly. “He said he would make America great again, that life would be affordable. But under his proposals, inflation worsens, families suffer, and immigrants are scapegoated. It’s clear he misled millions — and we’re not going to let him get away with it again.”

The Filipino American leader called on voters to reject fear-based politics and instead focus on unity, inclusion, and policies that uplift working families.

“We’re here to stay,” Manzano declared. “And we’ll keep fighting for a future where every New Yorker — no matter where they come from — is treated with dignity and respect.”

Enzo Manzano is a former Constituent Advocate and District Office Director in the New York City Council. He previously served as President of the Filipino American Democratic Club of New York and currently works as Director of Nonprofit Engagement at Kasirer, a top government affairs and lobbying firm in New York City. He is also the son of Philippine actor and politician Edu Manzano.