Mayor-Elect Offers Guidance to Undocumented Immigrants

In a video message on Sunday, Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani provided advice to undocumented immigrants on how to steer clear of ICE, urging them to “stand up” to federal agents and “know your rights.”

The democratic socialist spoke out following a weekend ICE raid in Chinatown that was interrupted by demonstrators, positioning himself as the mayor representing “more than 3 million immigrants.”

“This past weekend, ICE raided Canal Street and attempted to detain immigrants in the neighborhood,” Mamdani stated in a video shared on X. “As Mayor, I will protect the rights of every New Yorker, including the more than 3 million immigrants who call this city home.”

“But we can all stand up to ICE if we know our rights,” the Queens congressman added, standing beside a flipchart that read “Know your rights.”

“Without a judicial warrant signed by a judge, ICE cannot enter private spaces, such as private areas of a home, school, or workplace,” Mamdani explained, illustrating his point with an example of a warrant displayed on screen.

“You have the right to say, ‘I do not consent to entry,’ and you have the right to keep the door closed,” he noted, referring to a non-binding document that ICE might show instead of a judicial warrant.

“ICE can legally mislead you, but you have the right to remain silent. If you’re in custody, you can always ask, ‘Are you free to go?’ and repeat that until they answer,” Mamdani shared.

“ICE is legally allowed to film as long as it does not interfere with an arrest,” he added.

“New Yorkers have a constitutional right to protest, and I will defend that right if I become mayor,” Mamdani asserted.

His video has ignited criticism from conservative circles, with many anticipating that Mamdani will heighten tensions with the Trump administration when he assumes office.

Interestingly, he and Trump had an unexpectedly amicable meeting at the White House last month, but that may not last given their opposing views on immigration enforcement.

“So you simply ignore the laws you don’t like? Why maintain border laws or immigration laws?” conservative commentator Carmine Sabia responded.

Another critic commented, “This man is the greatest gift the Democratic Party has ever given,” expressing disdain for Mamdani’s stance.

During the previous Saturday’s raid, approximately 200 protesters obstructed ICE agents in a lower Manhattan parking lot.

This marked the second significant raid in the area within six weeks, following an October operation that resulted in the arrest of nine undocumented immigrants.