In a public advisory video released on Sunday, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani urged immigrant citizens to stand up for their legal rights when confronted by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Days after an ICE raid in Manhattan sparked protests and rekindled worries among immigrant communities, the message was sent.
Mamdani stated in the video that protections for the city's immigrant population will be a top priority for his government. He pointed out that as long as they don't interfere with their work, people have the legal right to film immigration officers and to decline to answer their queries. Additionally, he said that people have the right to refuse requests to enter private areas.
Mamdani clarified that in order for ICE agents to access a private residence, school, or workplace, a judge must approve a judicial warrant.
"You have the right to keep quiet, but ICE is legally permitted to lie to you. "If you're being held, you can keep asking, 'Am I free to go?' until they respond," he stated. On January 1st, Mamdani will assume office.
His comments came after residents and activists congregated on Canal Street in Chinatown last week while ICE authorities tried to arrest a number of people.
Demonstrations and requests for more precise information on legal protections had been triggered by a similar operation in the same region last October.
Such incidents, according to Mamdani, highlight the necessity of providing newcomers with accurate guidance. In the video, he declared, "New York will always welcome immigrants, and I will fight every day to protect, support, and celebrate our immigrant brothers and sisters."
