Featured Image Credit: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
Topics: Zohran Mamdani, Politics, US News
Rhianna Benson
Topics: Zohran Mamdani, Politics, US News
In a chilling new social media campaign, New York's mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has warned his constituents to 'know their rights' in the face of ongoing ICE raids.
The 34-year-old Democratic socialist shared on YouTube on Monday (8 Dec), in which he recalled a recent attempted raid by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents (ICE) on Canal Street 'to detain our immigrant neighbours'.
Last week (1 December), demonstrators gathered in the popular area near New York's Chinatown where a horde of officers tried to make arrests in line with President Donald Trump's crackdown on migrant deportations, with the 79-year-old previously calling for the 'largest mass deportation programme in history' earlier this year.
The New York Times further reported that 200 protesters shouted at the agents, with some blocking the government vehicles from leaving with trash bags and metal barriers. ICE agents also swept the same neighbourhood in October.
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In his latest video, Mamdani - who'll become the Big Apple's first Muslim mayor, as well as the first of South Asian heritage, and the first born in Africa next month (1 Jan) - pledged to 'protect the rights of every single New Yorker' after he's been sworn in next year.
"And that includes the more than three million migrants who call this city their home," he added.
Writing three vital words on a white board, Mamdani also emphasised: "We can all stand up to ICE if you 'Know Your Rights'. If you encounter ICE, these are the things that every New Yorker should know.
"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."
He added that, if such a warrant is not presented during attempted detention, then citizens have the right to say, 'I do not consent to entry', and keep their doors closed.
The mayor-elect also warned that, in some cases, ICE agents have been known to present 'Appendix C: Warrant of Removal/Deportation' documents and claim they have the right to arrest you.
"That is false," Mamdani continued. "ICE is legally allowed to lie to you, but you have the right to remain silent."
In cases where ICE agents have been successful in detaining a suspected illegal immigrant, he went on to emphasise the importance of ceaselessly asking, 'Am I free to go?', 'until they answer you'.
"You are legally allowed to film ICE," the politician continued. "As long as you do not interfere with an arrest."
Of the process of being arrested, Mamdani added that it's 'important to remain calm', not to 'impede their investigation, resist arrest, or run'.
Lastly, the incoming mayor sought to make sure his constituents know they have a 'constitutional right to protest'.
"When I'm mayor," he continued. "We will protect that right. New York will always welcome immigrants, and I will fight each and everyday to protect, support, and celebrate our immigrant brothers and sisters."
In a statement to The Times, a spokesperson for Mandami called the incident on Canal Street 'cruel and inhumane, and fail to advance genuine public safety'.
"New York City's more than three million immigrants are central to our city's strength, vitality, and success, and the Mayor-elect remains steadfast in his commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of every single New Yorker, upholding our sanctuary laws, and de-escalation rather than use of unnecessary force," they added.