New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has issued a public reminder to immigrants about their legal rights when approached by federal immigration agents. In a video released on Sunday, Mamdani reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the city’s immigrant population, estimated at three million people.
“We can all stand up to ICE if you know your rights,” Mamdani said, urging New Yorkers to remain calm and informed during any encounter with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He stressed that ICE agents cannot enter a home, a school, or non public areas of a workplace without a judicial warrant that has been signed by a judge.
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“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,” Mamdani explained. The video also displayed examples of what a valid judicial warrant looks like, along with other documents that agents may present in an attempt to gain entry or compliance.
Mamdani emphasized that ICE agents are legally permitted to mislead individuals during enforcement actions. However, immigrants maintain the right to remain silent. “If you are being detained, you may always ask, ‘Am I free to go?’ and you can ask repeatedly until they answer you,” he stated.
He also reminded residents that they are legally allowed to record ICE activity as long as they do not obstruct an arrest or an investigation. “It is important to remain calm during any interaction with ICE or law enforcement. Do not impede their investigation, resist arrest, or flee,” Mamdani cautioned.
His message comes one week after ICE agents detained several people in Lower Manhattan, an operation that sparked protests and criticism from immigrant rights groups. Mamdani has been outspoken about recent detentions, including the case of a father and his six year old son from his Queens district. “This cruelty serves no one. It must end,” he wrote on social media.
The mayor elect’s stance arrives at a time of heightened enforcement. Last month, White House border advisor Tom Homan announced plans to increase ICE operations in New York City. Mamdani met with President Trump days later and said the conversation included the city’s sanctuary policies, which allow limited coordination with federal law enforcement in cases involving approximately one hundred seventy serious crimes.
“New York will always welcome immigrants,” Mamdani said. “I will fight every day to protect, support, and celebrate our immigrant brothers and sisters.”
