Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected Mayor of New York City, posted a video on social media asking people to stand against ICE because they have a right to do so, and New York has always been a place for immigrants, made by immigrants. Recently, Federal agents carried out a raid in Manhattan.
“We can all stand up to ICE if you know the rights”
- New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani posted a video on Sunday, December 7th, on his social media, raising awareness and reminding people of their rights. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement carried out a raid in Canal Street, Manhattan, where several immigrants were detained for criminal activities. The federal officials said the raid was executed for “targeted, intelligence-driven enforcement operation … focused on criminal activity relating to selling counterfeit goods.”
- New York City, which is home to 3 million immigrants, is one of those places where such raids could be carried out. Zohran Mamdani said, “Last weekend, ICE attempted to raid Canal Street and detain our immigrant neighbors. 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, but we can all stand up to ICE if you know your rights.”
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- “If you encounter ICE, these are the things that every New Yorker should know. First, ICE cannot enter into private spaces, your home, school or private area of your workplace, without a judicial warrant signed by a judge,” he said. He also demonstrated two examples of how a real and fake warrant looks, for people to easily recognise.
- He also said, “If ICE doesn’t have an official warrant signed by a judge, you have the right to say, 'I do not consent to entry', and the right to keep your door closed. Sometimes, ICE will show you paperwork and tell you that they have the right to arrest you; that is false. ICE is legally allowed to lie to you, but you have the right to remain silent. If you’re being detained, you may always ask, “Am I free to go?” repeatedly until they answer you.”
- Mamdani also clarified that people are legally allowed to film ICE as long as they do not interfere with an arrest. “It is important to remain calm during any interaction with ICE or law enforcement. Do not impede their investigation, resist arrest or run.” At the end of the video, he reminded “New Yorkers have a constitutional right to protest”.
- As a mayor, he affirmed his support for all the protests that may take place in the future regarding this issue. He said, “New York will always welcome immigrants. I will fight each day and every day to protect, support and celebrate our immigrant brothers and sisters”.
- One of the reasons for Mamdani to win in the elections was his determination towards protecting and secure the lives of the immigrants of New York City; people resonated with his thoughts, voted for him. Mamdani is an immigrant who grew up in the very place he is the Mayor of, which is why protecting immigrants like himself is so personal and important to him.
FAQ
What is ICE?
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is a division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which works in order to prevent any terrorist and criminal activity in the United States.