NYC mayor-elect tells residents how to resist ICE agents knocking at their door in new video
In a recent video release, New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani addressed the rights of New Yorkers during encounters with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), following an attempted raid in Manhattan. The video serves as a crucial reminder of the protections available to immigrants, particularly in light of heightened scrutiny surrounding immigration enforcement in the city. Mamdani emphasized his commitment to safeguarding the rights of the over 3 million immigrants who reside in New York, vowing to confront federal actions that threaten these communities. “As mayor, I’ll protect the rights of every single New Yorker,” he stated, encouraging residents to be informed and assertive in knowing their legal rights during potential ICE encounters.
Mamdani provided practical advice for those who may face ICE, highlighting key legal rights that individuals should be aware of. He pointed out that ICE cannot enter private spaces, such as homes, schools, or workplaces, without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. If such a warrant is absent, individuals have the right to refuse entry and keep their doors closed. He also warned that ICE agents are permitted to misrepresent their authority, urging people to remain calm and assertive. “If you’re being detained, you may always ask, ‘Am I free to go?’ repeatedly until they answer you,” he advised. Furthermore, he reminded viewers that they are legally allowed to film ICE agents, provided they do not interfere with any arrests, reinforcing the importance of remaining composed in such situations.
Mamdani’s message is particularly significant as it comes amid ongoing discussions regarding New York’s status as a sanctuary city. Despite a recent meeting with former President Donald Trump, where they found common ground on issues of affordability, Mamdani reaffirmed his dedication to sanctuary policies that prioritize the protection of immigrant communities. He made it clear that the city’s government would only cooperate with federal authorities concerning serious crimes, while also condemning the unjust arrests and deportations of immigrants for minor infractions. “My focus as the next mayor of this city is going to be to protect immigrants who call this city their home,” he asserted. With this proactive stance, Mamdani aims to foster a city that not only welcomes immigrants but actively defends their rights and freedoms.
New York City mayor-elect
Zohran Mamdani
on Sunday released a video outlining New Yorkers’ rights during encounters with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after an attempted raid in Manhattan, pledging that his administration will safeguard immigrant communities while protecting the city’s constitutional right to protest.
The video comes as immigration enforcement in New York faces renewed scrutiny, underscoring how Mamdani plans to confront federal actions he says threaten immigrant communities and demand that New Yorkers be prepared, informed and confident in asserting their legal rights.
In the video, Mamdani opens by recalling an ICE raid last weekend in Manhattan that sought to detain immigrants.
“As mayor, I’ll protect the rights of every single New Yorker, and that includes the more than 3 million immigrants who call this city their home,” he said. “But we can all stand up to ICE if you know your rights.”
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He then offered
guidance for immigrants
who may encounter ICE.
“First, ICE cannot enter into private spaces like your home, school or private area of your workplace without a judicial warrant signed by a judge,” Mamdani advised. “If ICE does not have a judicial warrant signed by a judge, you have the right to say, ‘I do not consent to entry’ and the right to keep your door closed.’”
He noted that ICE may present paperwork claiming authority to make an arrest, but said “that is false.”
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“ICE is legally allowed to lie to you, but you have the right to remain silent,” the mayor-elect said. “If you’re being detained, you may always ask, ‘Am I free to go?’ repeatedly until they answer you.”
Mamdani also said that people are “legally allowed to film” ICE agents as long as they do not interfere with an arrest.
“It is important to remain calm during any
interaction with ICE
or law enforcement. Do not impede their investigation, resist arrest or run,” he said.
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Mamdani closed by emphasizing New Yorkers’ constitutional right to protest.
“New Yorkers have a constitutional right to protest, and when I’m mayor, we will protect that right,” he said. “New York will always welcome immigrants, and I will fight each and every day to protect, support and celebrate our immigrant brothers and sisters.”
The video comes more than two weeks after the mayor-elect met with President
Donald Trump
, appearing to forge a new path in their relationship as they found common ground on affordability issues and improving conditions in New York.
Despite that meeting, Mamdani reaffirmed New York’s status as a sanctuary city during a speech at a church in the Bronx.
“I shared with the president directly that New Yorkers want to follow the laws of our city, and the laws of our city say that, in our sanctuary city policies, city government can be in touch with the federal government on around 170 serious crimes,” Mamdani said last month. “The concern comes from beyond those crimes, the many New Yorkers who are being arrested, they’re being detained, they’re being deported for the crime of making a regular court appearance.”
“My focus as the next mayor of this city is going to be to protect immigrants who call this city their home,” the mayor-elect added.
