New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani announced on Friday that the city will not verify the immigration status of children in its free child care program. He emphasized that federal agents must have a warrant “signed by a judge” to gain entry.
“Let me clarify: these programs are for all New Yorkers,” Mamdani stated during a media roundtable. “We’re not asking about kids’ immigration status.”
He continued, saying, “Every child is a New Yorker. They should be enrolled in 3K and pre-K, regardless of their background. We take pride in being a sanctuary city.”
The mayor explained that “sanctuary” means ICE officers cannot access schools, hospitals, and city properties without a judicial warrant. “In many cases, they don’t present such documents,” he noted, adding that any documentation is often just an administrative warrant, if anything is provided at all.
The mayor previously stated that New York’s “3-K” and “Pre-K” programs would be open to any New Yorker whose child will turn 3 or 4 by 2026, as reported by Fox News.
This program was highlighted earlier this month when Governor Kathy Hochul (D) mentioned her partnership with Mayor Mamdani to provide free child care to two-year-olds in New York City. Their goal is to enhance the current 3K program, ultimately achieving universal care for all families.
Mamdani mentioned that the initiative could save families tens of thousands of dollars each year by offering free child care.
According to Fox, he reiterated, “We want to affirm the rights of every New Yorker. This program is for everyone, and we are proud of our values and our laws. These laws ensure safety and are a fundamental part of our community.”
