NEW YORK. – The elected mayor of the city of New York, Zohran Mamdanireleased a public video message this Sunday to explain Rights of Immigrants Against Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officials of the United States (ICE), just days after a federal raid in Manhattan that sparked protests and tensions in the community.
In his speech, the future president assured that his administration will “protect the more than three million immigrants” who live in the city, emphasizing this “We can all deal with ICE “If we know our rights.”
The news came after an attempted operation on Canal Street in Manhattan’s Chinatown, where federal agents tried to arrest immigrants and were confronted by protesters. A similar action last October sparked protests in the same area. The repetition of these operations motivated Mamdani to publish a Basic guide to how to behave in front of immigration officers on public streets, at work or in private homes.
The elected mayor explained this in the video Anyone in the United States can choose not to speak to ICE agentsa right that, as he emphasized, takes on particular importance in contexts of high pressure or confusion. He also pointed that out Is it legal to register civil servants? as long as it does not interfere with their work, a tool that community organizations are considering Key to documenting abuses or irregular procedures.
Mamdani insisted that immigration officials You are not allowed to enter private rooms –such as a home, classroom, or restricted areas of a workplace– without a court order signed by a judge. He warned that ICE often presents administrative forms that may look like court orders but are not, and recommended that residents review this point carefully before allowing entry. “Unless it’s an order signed by a judge, New Yorkers have the right to say, ‘I don’t give consent to enter,’ and keep their door closed,” he said.
The elected mayor also recalled this ICE is legally allowed to lie during an operationbut still The residents retain the right to remain silent. He recommended repeatedly asking, “Can I go?” in case of withholding until there is a clear answer. He also called for people to remain calm and avoid actions that could be construed as resistance: “Do not run, do not resist and do not obstruct investigations,” he said.
The video contained a broader political message: “New York will always welcome immigrants, and I will fight every day to protect, support and celebrate our immigrant brothers and sistersMamdani’s position is consistent with his campaign promises and with the city’s tradition as a haven for people of diverse backgrounds, although it comes at a time when the federal government is stepping up immigration control measures in several states.
The raid in Manhattan was not an isolated incident. In the last few weeks the The Trump administration promoted similar operations in various cities across the countryincluding a recent operation in New Orleans. In this context New York migrant organizations are calling for stronger institutional coordination to prevent arbitrary detention and offer those affected timely legal advice.
Mamdani’s public statement also drew attention because it came weeks after his “surprisingly cordial” meeting with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.
Although both expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue, the mayor-elect distanced himself from the federal strategy and confirmed that his administration would work with rights defenders, community organizations and local leaders to strengthen protections in neighborhoods most affected by ICE operations.
Mamdani will take office on January 1 and expects to make defending immigrants an immediate priority of his administration.
agency AP
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