On Sunday, December 7th, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani released a video advising residents on how to respond to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, emphasizing the importance of knowing their legal rights and staying informed. He also pledged to uphold New Yorkers’ constitutional right to protest.
Mamdani opened the video by recalling a recent ICE operation in Manhattan that aimed to detain immigrants. He pointed out that ICE may present paperwork suggesting authority, but clarified that such documents are not legally binding.
“You have the right to say, ‘I do not consent to entry,’ and the right to keep your door closed,” Mamdani observed, highlighting protections in homes, schools, or private workplaces. He also emphasized that individuals may remain silent and repeatedly ask, “Am I free to go?” until answered.
The mayor-elect reminded residents that recording ICE agents is legal as long as it does not interfere with arrests. He urged calm and compliance during any encounter, advising against resisting arrest or obstructing investigations.
Mamdani framed the guidance within a broader commitment to immigrant rights. “As mayor, I’ll protect the rights of every single New Yorker, and that includes the more than 3 million immigrants who call this city their home,” he 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.”
The video’s timing raises questions, coming before Mamdani takes office amid rising ICE activity in other cities and New York’s large population of immigrants in the country illegally. Some wonder if he is preparing residents for potential enforcement actions.
