With federal immigration enforcement once again gaining attention in New York City, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has entered the public conversation by clarifying what immigrants can and cannot be compelled to do when approached by immigration agents.
On Sunday, Mamdani released a video on social media outlining immigrants’ rights during encounters with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, coming just days after federal agents carried out an enforcement operation in Manhattan. Speaking directly to the city’s immigrant communities, he tagged the message as both practical guidance and reassurance.
In the video, Mamdani pledged to stand with New York’s roughly 3 million immigrants, emphasizing collective awareness and resilience. “We can all stand up to ICE if you know your rights,” he said.
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He further explained that individuals in the United States are not required to speak with federal immigration agents and can legally decline to answer questions. Mamdani indicated that people may record ICE agents as long as they do not interfere with their work and can refuse requests for agents to enter private spaces. According to him, ICE agents cannot lawfully enter a home, school or nonpublic area of a workplace without a judicial warrant that has been signed by a judge.
Mamdani also addressed the pressure and confusion that can accompany these encounters, cautioning residents to stay informed and firm. “ICE is legally allowed to lie to you, but you have the right to remain silent. If you’re being detained, you may always ask, ‘Am I free to go?’ repeatedly until they answer you,” said Mamdani, who is set to be sworn in as mayor on Jan 1.
The timing of the video follows a tense scene last week, when demonstrators gathered on Canal Street near New York’s Chinatown as ICE agents attempted to detain individuals in the area. The protest reiterated similar pushback from the community after an immigration sweep in the same neighborhood in October, which also drew public outcry.
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Reaffirming his stance, Mamdani used the video to underline his broader vision for the city. “New York will always welcome immigrants, and I will fight each and every day to protect, support, and celebrate our immigrant brothers and sisters,” he said.
The remarks come amid a complex political backdrop. Only weeks earlier, Mamdani held what was described as a notably cordial meeting in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump, even as the Trump administration continues to oversee federal immigration enforcement actions across several U.S. cities, including a recent operation in New Orleans.
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