VOI World/ Naman Nitin Khanna
With tensions between immigrants and federal agencies such as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) become threatening, Indian origin mayor-elect of New York City Zohran Mamdani has spoken against recent immigrant raids in Manhattan, advocating immigrant rights in NYC. Mamdani, on Monday, took to social media to raise awareness.
Mamdani, emphasizing legal protection, noted that immigrant New Yorkers or residents, as part of their rights, may choose not to speak with ICE and may actively deny them entry into private spaces. He also added, advising that immigrants utilize their right to remain silent during any encounter with ICE.
Mamdani stated that New Yorkers may also record ICE activity and all residents may choose to exercise their constitutional right to protest. The mayor-elect has requested that all residents and neighbours protect one another and exercise their legal, civil rights for the same. He shared that no federal agents cannot interfere in workplaces, schools, and non-public spaces without appropriate judicial warrants.
As a city with a significant immigrant population, amounting to more than 3 million, Mamdani has publicly vowed to protect all immigrant residents. While sharing legal remedies across social media platforms Mamdani has called New York a “city for all immigrants.”
If detained, he encouraged individuals to repeatedly ask, ‘Am I free to go?’ until they get an answer from the agents. Mamdani, in his social media video, has stated, “We can all stand up to ICE if you know your rights,” and goes on to note that, “New York will always welcome immigrants, and I will fight each and every day to protect, support, and celebrate our immigrant brothers and sisters.” Mamdani urged individuals to remain calm during encounters with ICE and shared that they reserve the right to deny consent.
While Mamdani’s social media remarks and video message addresses a series of continuous violent operations against immigrants in a single week, the mayor elect in his recent meeting with President Trump prioritized immigrant safety and reinforced New York’s sanctuary city policies which note that immigrants must report crimes hampering their safety, and also encourages them to have full access to the city’s resources.
Immigrant rights in NYC remain an integral element of Mamdani’s campaign. He has also been vocal about his experiences as the son of immigrant Indians, academician Mahmood Mamdani, and filmmaker Mira Nair. His inauguration as mayor is set to take place on January 1, 2026.
