Following recent, high-profile raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Manhattan, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani issued a powerful public service announcement to the city’s vast immigrant community.
With nearly 3 million immigrants calling New York home, Mamdani’s message is a direct and defiant affirmation of their rights, urging non-compliance with federal agents who lack the proper judicial authority.
The core of Mamdani’s advisory, disseminated via a public video, is simple yet critical: “We can all stand up to ICE if you know your rights.” This is a commitment not just to political opposition but to the legal empowerment of every New Yorker.
The Right to Non-Consent
Mamdani specifically highlighted the limitations on ICE’s authority to enter private spaces. He clearly stated that ICE agents “cannot enter into private spaces like your home, school, or private area of your workplace without a judicial warrant signed by a judge.”
Crucially, he advised that if ICE agents do not possess this warrant—which is distinctly different from an administrative warrant like a “Warrant of Removal/Deportation”—immigrant New Yorkers have the legal right to say, “I do not consent to entry,” and keep their doors closed.
This distinction is vital, as ICE agents have been known to present insufficient paperwork to pressure individuals into compliance.
Silence and Inquiry: Your Constitutional Shields
The mayor-elect further outlined the constitutional protections against self-incrimination. He warned, “ICE is legally allowed to lie to you, but you have the right to remain silent.” This right to refuse questioning is one of the most powerful safeguards an individual can exercise during an encounter.
For those who find themselves detained, Mamdani offered a key piece of practical advice: repeatedly ask the agents, “Am I free to go?” until a definitive answer is given. This act helps to clarify the individual’s status—whether they are being voluntarily questioned or are under arrest—and is an essential legal step in asserting one’s freedom.
Document and Remain Calm When Confronted By ICE
In addition to refusing entry and remaining silent, New Yorkers are also advised that they are “legally allowed to film ICE as long as you do not interfere with an arrest.” Documenting an encounter provides critical evidence against potential misconduct and promotes accountability. However, Mamdani stressed the paramount need for calm, cautioning against impeding any investigation, resisting arrest, or running.
Mamdani, who will be officially sworn in on January 1, 2026, has positioned his administration as a staunch defender of the city’s sanctuary policies.
His video message, released just days after recent ICE activity caused community alarm on Canal Street, serves as a forceful pre-emptive measure.
It is a clear signal that under his leadership, the city government will leverage all available local power to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and protect the “more than 3 million immigrants who call this city their home.”
New York, Mamdani concludes, “will always welcome immigrants,” and his fight for their protection will be a daily priority.