NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani Says Immigrants Can Refuse ICE, Vows to Protect Sanctuary City Policies

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has reassured immigrant communities that they have the legal right to decline cooperation with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), releasing a public information video days after a high-profile ICE raid in Manhattan.

In the video, Mamdani emphasized that his incoming administration will prioritize protecting New York’s large immigrant population.
“We can all stand up to ICE if you know your rights,” he said, urging residents to remain aware that they are not legally required to answer questions from immigration agents.

Mamdani also reminded viewers that they may record ICE officers as long as they do not obstruct operations, and may refuse entry to private homes, schools or workplaces unless agents present a judicial warrant signed by a judge.

“ICE is legally allowed to lie to you, but you have the right to remain silent,” he noted. If detained, individuals may repeatedly ask, “Am I free to go?” until officers respond.

Mamdani will formally assume office on January 1.

Video Released After Protests Over ICE Operation

The message follows a tense incident last week on Canal Street in Chinatown, where demonstrators confronted ICE agents attempting to detain several people. A similar operation last October had also triggered protests from neighborhood residents and immigrant rights groups.

Mamdani said these recurring confrontations highlight the urgency of ensuring immigrants understand their legal rights.

“New York will always welcome immigrants,” he said.
“I will fight each and every day to protect, support, and celebrate our immigrant brothers and sisters.”

Sanctuary City Policies Unchanged Despite Trump Meeting

The video comes two weeks after Mamdani’s unexpected and unusually cordial Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump, whose administration has intensified federal immigration enforcement, including recent sweeps in New Orleans.

Mamdani stressed that New York’s sanctuary city policies will remain intact.

Speaking at a Bronx church last month, he said he told Trump that city law allows communication with federal authorities only for around 170 serious crimes, and that these rules would not be altered.

His main concern, he added, is that immigrants are being detained or deported for minor infractions, including attending routine court hearings.

“New Yorkers are being arrested, detained, and deported for the crime of making a regular court appearance,” Mamdani said.

His administration, he vowed, will work to ensure the city remains a safe haven for immigrant families despite federal crackdowns.