2025-12-20 18:00
publication
2025-12-20 18:00
New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani vowed that the city will defend immigrant rights and prepare for actions by federal agents. He emphasized that every resident has the right to protest, oppose the illegal actions of federal agents and be protected from deportation.
Mamdani published a video in which he explained the rules for contacting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. He recalled that a protest thwarted an attempted raid in Manhattan in November and stressed that residents must know their rights.
– As mayor, I will protect the rights of every New Yorker, including more than 3 million immigrants. We can oppose ICE if we know what our rights are, he said, quoted by FOX News.
He explained that agents cannot enter a home, school or private workplace without a court order. If it is missing, residents have the right to refuse entry and close the door. As he noted, officers may present documents that look like a warrant, but have no legal force.
– ICE has the right to lie to you, but you have the right to remain silent, Mamdani said.
Know your rights. Protect your neighbors.
New York is — and always will be — a city for all immigrants. pic.twitter.com/nuntRzgEwq
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) December 7, 2025
He also appealed for people to remain calm and avoid resistance during arrests.
– New Yorkers have a constitutional right to protest, and when I become mayor, we will defend that right. New York will always welcome immigrants, and I will fight every day to protect, support and respect our immigrant brothers and sisters, he assured.
Mamdani pointed out that despite his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump, he maintained the city's status as a refuge for undocumented immigrants.
– I told the mayor that our city's regulations only allow cooperation with the federal government on about 170 of the most serious crimes. The problem begins where many New Yorkers are detained and deported after simply appearing in court, he reported.
The mayor-elect has reiterated that his goal will be to protect the immigrants who call New York home.
Andrzej Dobrowolski from New York (PAP)
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