Mayor-elect releases video instructing 3 million immigrants on legal rights during federal raids, emphasizing right to refuse entry without judicial warrant
Empowering the City’s Vulnerable Population
Zohran Mamdani released a video on social media Sunday instructing New York City’s 3 million immigrants on their legal rights when confronted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, as federal enforcement operations intensified across the city. The mayor-elect explained that immigrants have the right to refuse speaking to ICE agents, to film them without interference, and to refuse requests to enter private spaces. His intervention came days after ICE conducted a raid in Manhattan’s Chinatown, mirroring an enforcement sweep in the same neighborhood last October.
In the video, Mamdani emphasized that ICE agents cannot enter homes, schools, or private workplace areas without judicial warrants signed by judgesadministrative warrants are insufficient. The incoming mayor stated that “ICE is legally allowed to lie to you, but you have the right to remain silent,” and advised detained individuals to repeatedly ask “Am I free to go?” until officers respond.
The mayor-elect’s educational outreach represents proactive defense strategy, transforming legal knowledge into protection for immigrant communities facing increased federal enforcement under the Trump administration. His message directly contradicted federal immigration policy by empowering individuals to resist cooperation with deportation apparatus.
Signaling Sanctuary City Commitment
Mamdani’s video released amidst Trump administration’s nationwide immigration enforcement surge, particularly targeting sanctuary jurisdictions like New York City. The mayor-elect stated: “New York will always welcome immigrants, and I will fight each and every day to protect, support, and celebrate our immigrant brothers and sisters”. This commitment signals continued sanctuary policies protecting undocumented immigrants from federal enforcement cooperation.
His emphasis on rights education reflects policy approach valuing legal empowerment alongside physical sanctuaryteaching immigrants to assert constitutional protections without necessarily preventing ICE operations. The strategy acknowledges that while municipal government cannot unilaterally stop federal enforcement, it can equip residents with information preventing self-incrimination and facilitating legal representation.
