NYC mayor-elect tells residents how to resist ICE agents knocking at their door in new video
In a bold move to protect immigrant communities, New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani recently released a video outlining the rights of New Yorkers during encounters with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This initiative follows an attempted ICE raid in Manhattan, which has intensified scrutiny on immigration enforcement in the city. Mamdani’s message is clear: his administration will stand firm against federal actions that threaten the rights of immigrants, who make up a significant portion of the city’s population. With over 3 million immigrants calling New York home, Mamdani emphasized the importance of being prepared and informed about legal rights in the face of potential enforcement actions.
In the video, Mamdani provides essential guidance for immigrants who may find themselves in an encounter with ICE. He underscores that ICE cannot enter private spaces, such as homes or schools, without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Mamdani encourages individuals to assert their rights, stating that if ICE lacks such a warrant, they have the right to refuse entry and keep their doors closed. He also highlights that ICE agents are legally permitted to misrepresent their authority, but individuals can protect themselves by remaining silent and asking if they are free to go. Furthermore, Mamdani reassures viewers that filming ICE interactions is legal, provided it does not interfere with the agents’ actions. This practical advice aims to empower New Yorkers to stand up for their rights while remaining calm during potentially tense situations.
Mamdani’s commitment to safeguarding immigrant rights is reinforced by his pledge to protect the constitutional right to protest. He stated, “New Yorkers have a constitutional right to protest, and when I’m mayor, we will protect that right.” This stance is particularly significant in the context of New York’s designation as a sanctuary city, which Mamdani reaffirmed during a recent speech. While he has engaged with federal officials, including a meeting with former President Donald Trump, Mamdani remains steadfast in his commitment to uphold the city’s sanctuary policies, which allow limited cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. His focus as mayor will be on ensuring that immigrants feel safe and supported in their communities, as he fights to protect their rights and celebrate their contributions to the vibrant fabric of New York City.
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.
