On Sunday, December 7th, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani released a video on his official social media platforms aimed at educating immigrants about their rights and how to respond to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This reaffirmed the incoming New York City mayor’s anti-ICE stance. The video garnered approval from New York’s governor and over two thousand online likes, but also raised concerns among conservative individuals.
In the video, Mamdani first played footage of ICE officers arresting counterfeit goods vendors in Chinatown, urging immigrants to “stand up” against federal law enforcement officers and to “know their rights.”
“Last weekend, ICE attempted a raid on Eldridge Street, detaining our immigrant neighbors. As mayor, I will protect the rights of every New Yorker, including over 3 million immigrants who call this city home,” Mamdani stated in the video. “By knowing your rights, we can bravely confront U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”
Mamdani then outlined immigrants’ rights and the documents ICE needs to present. He emphasized that without a judge-signed search warrant, ICE cannot enter private spaces such as residences, schools, or workplaces. Immigrants have the right to say, “I do not consent to enter,” and to close their door if ICE lacks a signed search warrant.
Furthermore, Mamdani encouraged immigrants to film ICE enforcement officers as long as it does not interfere with the arrest process. He stressed the importance of remaining calm and not hindering investigations, resisting arrest, or fleeing during any interaction with ICE or law enforcement officers.
Lastly, Mamdani informed New Yorkers about their constitutional right to protest. “If elected mayor, we will defend this right,” Mamdani concluded. “New York City always welcomes immigrants, and I will tirelessly strive to protect, support, and celebrate our immigrant brothers and sisters day after day.”
According to the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, as of 2022, New York is home to 3 million immigrants, with over 412,000 being undocumented.
Governor Hochu stated on Monday that she had no issues with the guidance video released by Mamdani. She emphasized that everyone in the state should be aware of their rights, including family members, neighbors, and congregants in religious places, as these rights are currently being trampled upon. She fully supports the Mayor-elect’s use of this platform to educate people about their rights in this great country.
Hochu mentioned that the state of New York provides funding to nonprofit organizations in New York City to address the issues raised by Mamdani. She emphasized that the government must utilize all possible means to ensure people are aware of their rights to prevent these rights from being violated.
The video on the Mayor-elect’s official YouTube channel received over two thousand likes. Whether they are New Yorkers or not, netizens refer to Mamdani as “my mayor.”
On Monday, New York City council members and left-wing activists held a rally outside City Hall, criticizing ICE. The rally coincided with a hearing on a bill aimed at prohibiting federal immigration authorities from detaining individuals in New York City Department of Correction facilities.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security stated on Monday that resisting arrest jeopardizes the safety of undocumented immigrants, law enforcement officers, and the public. Nevertheless, these radical individuals cannot deter them. Their law enforcement department will continue to deport criminal undocumented immigrants.
Conservative political commentator Carmine Sabia responded to Mamdani’s video, stating, “So you just ignore laws you don’t like? Should we not have borders or immigration laws then?”
A netizen, Liz Rios, wrote on X website, “This is inciting, aiding, and abetting criminals.”