New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is moving aggressively to confront President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement strategy, releasing a "Know Your Rights" video aimed at preparing the city's more than 3 million immigrants for intensified federal raids. The message places the 34-year-old Democratic Socialist in direct conflict with the White House, less than a month after the two leaders held what aides described as a surprisingly cordial first meeting.
The video, published Sunday with English and Spanish subtitles, comes amid escalating clashes between federal agents and protesters nationwide following Mr. Trump's deployment of National Guard troops into Democratic-led cities, including Chicago. For New York, federal expansion of interior enforcement represents a significant political and humanitarian flashpoint in a city defined by its immigrant identity.
Mamdani framed the initiative as both civic necessity and personal commitment, drawing on his background as the Ugandan-born son of Indian immigrants and New York's first Muslim and South Asian mayor-elect. Sharing the video, he declared: "Know your rights. Protect your neighbors. New York is-and always will be-a city for all immigrants."
The release was prompted by what he described as a recent attempted ICE operation in Lower Manhattan. "Last weekend, ICE attempted to raid Canal Street and detain our immigrant neighbors," Mamdani stated in the recording. "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."
The guide outlines the legal limits on federal agents' authority, emphasizing that ICE cannot enter private homes, schools or workplaces without a judicially signed warrant. "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," Mamdani said, displaying a sample of the required document. If agents lack it, he instructed residents to assert: "I do not consent to entry."
He also warned viewers about deceptive federal tactics. "ICE is legally allowed to lie to you. But you have the right to remain silent," he said, highlighting the use of administrative forms often mistaken for warrants. Mamdani urged New Yorkers to repeatedly ask "Am I free to go?" if detained and reminded them of their right to film agents "as long as you do not interfere with an arrest."
The mayor-elect concluded with guidance on maintaining composure and avoiding escalation. "It is important to remain calm during any interaction with ICE or law enforcement," he said. "Do not impede their investigation, resist arrest or run." He also underscored the city's constitutional commitments: "New Yorkers have a constitutional right to protest. And when I'm mayor, we will protect that right."
The video marks a sharp turn from the cooperative tone set during Mamdani's recent White House visit, where Mr. Trump said he wanted to see New York "be great." Analysts say the goodwill evaporated as soon as federal enforcement actions expanded and Mamdani signaled he would resist any effort that jeopardizes immigrant safety.
