New York City's Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is not waiting until he formally enters office in the new year to tackle the most volatile political issue facing America's biggest metropolis: the escalating war on immigration waged by the US federal government.
The Democratic-Socialist, who will become the city's youngest mayor in over a century, has immediately moved to inoculate New York's massive immigrant population against the rising threat of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
In a clear, direct challenge to President Donald Trump's aggressive border and interior enforcement policies, the 34-year-old released a crucial 'Know Your Rights' video this past Sunday.
The video, complete with English and Spanish subtitles, arrived amidst a climate of extreme tension. Police forces have been increasingly clashing with anti-ICE protesters nationwide, a direct consequence of President Trump deploying National Guard troops to major Democratic-led cities like Chicago to crack down on undocumented communities.
For New York, a city that prides itself on being a beacon for those seeking a new life, the aggressive federal presence represents a profound crisis of faith and safety.
Mamdani, himself the son of Indian immigrants from Uganda, framed the message as a protective civic duty for all residents, regardless of status.
Born in Kampala, Mamdani's own history as a Ugandan-born, naturalised American citizen and the city's first Muslim and South Asian mayor-elect gives his defence of immigrant communities a profound personal weight, transforming a policy fight into a personal promise. Sharing the video online, he stated plainly: 'Know your rights. Protect your neighbors. New York is—and always will be—a city for all immigrants.'
The Unexpected Détente Between Mamdani and Trump
The decision to release such a robust defence of immigrants' rights places Mamdani on a direct collision course with the White House, yet the clash follows a period of surprising public civility.
Last month, the Mayor-elect paid his first visit to the White House, where he and President Trump were described as 'surprisingly cordial' during their Oval Office meeting, despite their deep, ideological differences.
The President, who routinely attacked the progressive politician during the election, expressed a willingness to help the city, stating he wants to see New York 'be great.' Mamdani, ever the pragmatist, acknowledged the necessity of finding common ground.
Yet, the goodwill appears to have evaporated quickly under the heat of federal action. Mamdani's subsequent video and its sharp focus on mitigating ICE's effectiveness serve as a reminder that political niceties will not supersede his mandate to protect the more than 3 million immigrants who call the city their home.
The inspiration for the video was immediate and urgent, following a recent and highly publicised incident in Lower Manhattan. 'Last weekend, ICE attempted to raid Canal Street and detain our immigrant neighbors,' Mamdani began in the recording. He promised: 'As mayor, I will protect the rights of every single New Yorker and that includes the more than 3 million immigrants who call this city their home'.
When to Open the Door: Mamdani and Trump's Legal Fault-lines
The bulk of the educational video focuses on the fundamental, legally protected boundaries that New Yorkers can use to shield themselves and their loved ones from unwarranted arrest. Mamdani was meticulous in detailing the necessary legal paperwork required for agents to enter private residences or workplaces.
'We can all stand up to ICE if you know your rights', he insisted, before laying out the essential rules of engagement. 'First, ICE cannot enter into private spaces like your home, school or private area of your workplace without a judicial warrant signed by a judge'.
The 34-year-old then used a visual aid, showing viewers exactly what a search and seizure arrest warrant looks like, stressing that without this specific, judicially-signed document, agents have no right to entry or detention. 'If ICE does not have a judicial 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.'
He went on to warn against a common tactic used by federal agents: presenting deceptive paperwork, such as Appendix C filings, to falsely claim authority for an arrest. In a dramatic close-up shot that underscored the high stakes of the interaction, Mamdani issued a powerful caution: 'ICE is legally allowed to lie to you. But you have the right to remain silent.'
He also advised that anyone detained should repeatedly ask, 'Am I free to go?' until a response is given, and reminded residents they are legally permitted to film ICE, 'as long as you do not interfere with an arrest.'
Know your rights. Protect your neighbors.
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) December 7, 2025
New York is — and always will be — a city for all immigrants. pic.twitter.com/nuntRzgEwq
Mamdani's final remarks were a calming call to action wrapped in a staunch constitutional promise. 'It is important to remain calm during any interaction with ICE or law enforcement. Do not impede their investigation, resist arrest or run.'
He concluded by reaffirming the city's commitment to democratic principles: 'One last thing, New Yorkers have a constitutional right to protest. And when I'm mayor, we will protect that right. New York will always welcome immigrants, and I will fight each and every day to protect, support and celebrate our immigrant brothers and sisters.'
In a move that has shocked some of his progressive backers, Mamdani recently signalled an effort to work with Democratic Party centrists by reappointing Jessica Tisch as the city's police commissioner.
However, this video makes it clear that while his administration may seek political compromise in other areas, when it comes to the rights of New York's immigrant communities against federal intrusion, he intends to hold the line.
