NYC Mayor‑Elect Zohran Mamdani Releases Video Explaining What to Do If ICE Knocks

New York City mayor‑elect Zohran Mamdani on Sunday published a short video advising residents on their legal rights when encountering U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, following an attempted raid in Manhattan. He pledged his incoming administration will protect immigrant communities and defend New Yorkers’ constitutional right to protest.

The video arrives amid renewed scrutiny of immigration enforcement in the city. Mamdani used the message to outline practical steps residents can take to stay safe and protect their rights during encounters with federal agents.

Know Your Rights

Mamdani began by noting a recent ICE operation in Manhattan that sought to detain immigrants and emphasized that "as mayor, I'll protect the rights of every single New Yorker, and that includes the more than 3 million immigrants who call this city their home." He added, "But we can all stand up to ICE if you know your rights."

Warrants, Consent, and Entry

He explained the key legal threshold: ICE cannot lawfully enter private spaces—such as your home, a classroom, or the private area of a workplace—without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. If agents do not present a judicial warrant, you have the right to say, "I do not consent to entry," and to keep your door closed.

Mamdani warned that officers may show other paperwork that claims authority to make an arrest, but he made clear such documents are not the same as a judge‑signed judicial warrant.

Speech, Silence, and Detention

"ICE is legally allowed to lie to you, but you have the right to remain silent," Mamdani said.

He advised that if a person is being detained, they can repeatedly ask, "Am I free to go?" until the officer provides a clear answer. He also recommended requesting an attorney if detained.

Recording and Conduct During Encounters

Mamdani noted that people are generally legally permitted to film ICE agents in public so long as the recording does not interfere with an arrest or obstruct law enforcement. He stressed the importance of remaining calm: do not resist arrest, impede an investigation, or run.

Sanctuary Policy and City Priorities

Closing the video, Mamdani reaffirmed New York's sanctuary stance and promised his administration would defend the constitutional right to protest. He also acknowledged that city policy allows limited cooperation with federal authorities on roughly 170 serious crimes, but said he will work to protect immigrants from what he described as overreach.

"New Yorkers have a constitutional right to protest, and when I'm mayor, we will protect that right," he said. "New York will always welcome immigrants, and I will fight each and every day to protect, support and celebrate our immigrant brothers and sisters."

The video was released more than two weeks after Mamdani met with President Donald Trump, a meeting in which both leaders appeared to find some common ground on affordability and other city issues. Despite that meeting, Mamdani has reiterated his commitment to protecting immigrant communities while working within city policy and the law.