NEW YORK (OnPoint) — New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani posted a video on social media this past Sunday, affirming immigrants' rights to refuse communication and compliance with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. This statement comes days after federal agents conducted a raid in Manhattan, targeting vulnerable immigrant communities.
In his video, Mamdani vowed unwavering protection for the city’s estimated 3 million immigrants. We can all stand up to ICE if you know your rights, he declared, explaining essential legal protections that exist for immigrants in the U.S.
Mamdani highlighted that individuals are not obligated to speak to federal immigration agents, can document interactions without interference, and may deny entry to ICE officials unless they possess a judicial warrant. ICE is allowed to mislead you; however, you have the right to remain silent. If you find yourself in detention, you can continually ask, ‘Am I free to go?’ until a clear answer is provided, he advised.
His remarks followed demonstrations in response to ICE's attempted detentions on Canal Street near Chinatown. This incident echoes a similar immigration enforcement sweep in the area last October which has also drawn public outcry.
“New York will always welcome immigrants, and I will fight each and every day to protect, support, and celebrate our immigrant brothers and sisters,” said Mamdani in his video.
Previously, Mamdani had an unexpectedly amicable meeting with President Donald Trump amidst ongoing federal immigration operations across several U.S. cities, including New Orleans.
