NY-10 Candidate Nickie Kane Goes Viral After Comparing Deaths Linked to ICE and Undocumented Immigrants
Brooklyn, NY — A congressional candidate in New York’s 10th District is drawing national attention after a social media post comparing deaths attributed to undocumented immigrants with deaths linked to Immigration and Customs Enforcement went viral, reaching approximately 1.6 million views as of today (instagram.com).
Nickie Kane, a progressive candidate running for Congress, sparked the debate by citing figures showing roughly nine deaths attributed to undocumented immigrants over the past four years, compared with approximately 33 deaths connected to ICE actions or custody during the same period. The most recent case referenced in the post involved Renee Good, whose death has intensified scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement.
The post quickly spread across platforms, drawing both praise and backlash. Supporters say Kane’s comparison challenges long-standing narratives that portray immigrants as a primary driver of violent crime. Critics argue the post minimizes the harm caused by crimes involving undocumented immigrants.
Available research on crime trends has consistently shown that undocumented immigrants are less likely to commit violent crimes than the general population. Multiple studies have found lower arrest and incarceration rates among undocumented immigrants compared with U.S.-born residents, while overall violent crime in the United States is overwhelmingly committed by citizens and legal residents.
Kane’s post also criticized what she described as propaganda that amplifies rare crimes by undocumented immigrants while downplaying deaths connected to enforcement practices. She pointed specifically to the political climate surrounding the Laken Riley Act, which immigration advocates say has contributed to harsher detention policies and reinforced negative portrayals of immigrant communities.
The viral moment has placed Kane at the center of a broader national conversation about immigration, public safety, and accountability. As the post continues to circulate, it underscores how immigration policy remains a defining and divisive issue ahead of the 2026 elections, and how social media can rapidly propel local candidates into the national spotlight.