‘ICE is legally allowed to lie to you’: Zohran Mamdani releases video after attempted ICE raid in Manhattan, and what he tells immigrants about their rights is urgent

New York City’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani just put out a video explaining the legal rights of New Yorkers when they meet U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. This advice comes after ICE tried to raid Manhattan last weekend to detain immigrants. Mamdani wants to protect immigrant communities and their constitutional right to protest in the city.

According to Fox News, Mamdani is telling New Yorkers to be ready, informed, and confident about their legal rights when dealing with federal enforcement. His video shows how he plans to fight against federal actions that he thinks threaten the city’s residents. He wants people to know exactly what they can and cannot do during ICE encounters.

One important fact Mamdani shares is that ICE agents are legally allowed to lie to you. Because they can mislead you on purpose, you have the complete right to stay silent. If you get detained, Mamdani says to keep asking one question over and over until they answer: “Am I free to go?” This simple question could help protect you.

Your home has strong legal protections against ICE entry

ICE cannot enter private spaces like your home, school, or private workplace areas without proper paperwork. Mamdani says they must have a judicial warrant signed by a judge. If they show up without that warrant, you can keep your door closed and say, “I do not consent to entry.” He warns that ICE might show other papers and claim they can make an arrest, but he says “that is false.”

You are legally allowed to film ICE agents. This is part of your constitutional rights. But you must not get in the way of an actual arrest or investigation. Mamdani also says to stay calm during any interaction with law enforcement. Do not block their investigation, resist arrest, or run away. Staying calm and quietly using your rights is the safest choice.

Mamdani’s video shows his commitment to the city’s large immigrant population. “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,” he said. He promised that the NYPD will “never” go back to the previous administration’s level of cooperation with ICE. Curtis Sliwa previously warned about Mamdani’s policies if he becomes mayor.

This strong position comes even though Mamdani met with President Trump in Washington, D.C. on November 21, 2025. While they found agreement on local issues like affordability and improving New York conditions, Mamdani reaffirmed the city’s sanctuary city status during a recent Bronx speech. He told the president that New York’s sanctuary policies allow city contact with federal government only for around 170 serious crimes.

Mamdani explained his concern is not about serious criminals. He is focused on “the many New Yorkers who are being arrested, they’re being detained, they’re being deported for the crime of making a regular court appearance.”

He closed his video by saying New Yorkers have a constitutional right to protest, and he will protect that right. This stance aligns with his previous promise to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu during the campaign. He promised, “New York will always welcome immigrants, and I will fight each and every day to protect, support and celebrate our immigrant brothers and sisters.”