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New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani released a video on Sunday to educate New Yorkers about their rights when encountering U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The video comes in response to recent ICE raids in Manhattan, which sparked demonstrations near Chinatown.
Mamdani, who will be sworn in as mayor on January 1, emphasized the importance of knowing one's rights, stating, "We can all stand up to ICE if you know your rights." In the video, he outlined key rights, including the ability to remain silent, film ICE agents without interfering, and refuse entry to private spaces without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. He also noted that ICE agents are legally allowed to lie, but individuals can repeatedly ask if they are free to go if detained.
Mamdani's guidance is part of his commitment to protect New York City's three million immigrants. He described ICE as "a rogue agency" and pledged to use his mayoral power to prevent deportations and position New York as a model for progressive governance.
Despite his stance, experts like retired ICE agent Scott Mechkowski argue that municipal resistance has practical limits, as federal duties cannot be halted by local authorities. Mamdani's video highlights the ongoing tension between New York City's sanctuary policies and the federal government's immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump.
Mamdani, who will become the city's first Muslim mayor, secured 50.4 percent of the vote, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo. He has vowed to fight against Trump's immigration plans, stating, "If you want to pursue your promise to create the single largest deportation force in American history, or your promise to persecute and punish your political enemies, then you will have to get through me to do that here in New York City."
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