New York City — In a bold public video released Sunday, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani addressed the city’s immigrant population with a clear, direct message: “Know your rights.” With federal immigration enforcement increasing and recent raids alarming many New Yorkers, Mamdani’s video aims to inform immigrants of their legal protections — and empower them to respond calmly but firmly if confronted by federal agents.
Standing in front of a flip-chart that read “Know your rights”, Mamdani opened by invoking the city’s diversity and its commitment to immigrant communities. He reminded viewers that New York is home to “more than three million immigrants,” and pledged that his incoming administration would defend the rights of all who call the city home.
What He Said — Key Rights Immigrants Should Know
Mamdani walked his audience through concrete legal rights under U.S. law and constitutional protections, especially when interacting with federal immigration agents such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Here are the core points from the video:
-
No entry without a valid judicial warrant: Mamdani emphasized that ICE cannot legally enter private spaces — a home, a school, or a private area of a workplace — unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. He displayed what a genuine judicial warrant looks like and warned that other documents often shown by ICE should not be mistaken for one.
-
Right to refuse consent to entry: If agents do not have a valid warrant, individuals may legally say “I do not consent to entry” and keep their door closed.
-
Right to remain silent: Mamdani clarified that even if ICE claims otherwise, people are not required to answer questions about immigration status or other personal matters. In his words, “ICE is legally allowed to lie to you. But you have the right to remain silent.”
-
Right to ask whether you are free to go: If someone is being detained or questioned, they may repeatedly ask, “Am I free to go?” until ICE gives a clear answer.
-
Right to film ICE encounters: As long as you do not interfere with an officer’s duties or an arrest, you are legally allowed to film ICE agents. Recording can be a vital way to document what happens during such encounters.
-
Remain calm — do not run or resist: Mamdani cautioned immigrants against panicking, running away, resisting, or obstructing investigations when approached by ICE or law enforcement. He stressed remaining calm while exercising your rights.
He concluded with a broader promise: as mayor, he will protect the constitutional rights of immigrants — including the right to protest — and ensure that New York remains a welcoming home for them.
Why the Video Matters — Timely Response to Enforcement Pressure
Mamdani’s video was released in the wake of recent ICE activity in Manhattan, including a raid on Canal Street near Chinatown, which roiled immigrant neighborhoods and sparked public protests.
For many immigrants — documented or not — confusion, fear, and misinformation are common when federal agents show up. By going on public record, and using clear language and examples (like showing a real warrant), Mamdani attempts to cut through rumors and give people practical, understandable advice at a time of heightened anxiety.
The timing is also symbolically powerful. As mayor-elect, Mamdani’s video sends a message about what kind of administration he intends to lead: one that seeks not just to reform policy but to build trust and confidence among immigrant communities. It frames his upcoming tenure as one that will prioritize civil rights, inclusion, and transparency.
Public Reaction & Controversy
Reactions have come swiftly. Many immigrant communities, advocates, and civil-rights organizations welcomed Mamdani’s video, calling it a long-overdue clarity: a mayor-elect using his platform to inform — not fear — New Yorkers.
However, the video has also stirred controversy. Some critics argue that advising people how to refuse federal enforcement could undermine law enforcement efforts, or even facilitate evasion. Others question whether it’s the role of municipal leadership to give such instructions.
Still, proponents insist that the rights Mamdani outlines are in fact established under U.S. law — and that awareness is crucial. As one commenter on social media put it, “Knowing your rights is different from resisting — it’s about safety, dignity, and justice.”
What This Means for Immigrants Across New York
For immigrants — long made vulnerable by uncertainty and fear — Mamdani’s message could be reassuring.
-
Families may feel more confident approaching, or avoiding, interactions with ICE.
-
Individuals who previously lacked access to legal knowledge might now better understand when officers are acting lawfully — and when they are not.
-
Community centers, legal-aid organizations, and grassroots groups may use Mamdani’s video as a tool to organize “Know Your Rights” workshops, offering free legal guidance, bilingual support, and community solidarity.
Moreover, the video sets the tone for a mayoral administration that could shift how New York handles immigration enforcement and community trust; the emphasis is on protection, civil rights, and inclusion rather than fear, enforcement alone, or silence.
Final Thoughts
The “Know Your Rights” video by Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is more than a public announcement — it is a statement of intent. At a time when immigrant communities are anxious, uncertain, and often misinformed, the video offers clear guidance, legal facts, and a promise of support.
Whether you are a longtime immigrant resident, a recent arrival, or a concerned neighbor, the information Mamdani shares matters. As New York prepares for a new era of leadership, the message is loud and clear: knowledge is power — and rights apply to everyone.