Lawmakers, Mamdani push back on federal ICE activity, raids in NYC
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani responded to recent raids on Canal Street, posting a "Known Your Rights" video online, pleading directly to immigrants when interacting with federal agents.
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Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is standing firm on his stance when it comes to federal immigration and customs enforcement raids in New York City.
Four local lawmakers took to the steps of a federal immigration court in lower Manhattan to announce a new set of bills that would make it more challenging for ICE agents to operate in the city, while also protecting the rights of immigrants who are showing up for mandatory court hearings.
The Immigration Due Process Protection Act would stop DHS officers from making arrests at any federal court facility without a judicial warrant. It would apply to anyone with pending cases that have not resulted in an order of removal. Current state law blocks immigration enforcement at state and local courthouses without a signed order from a judge.
"Over the past year, we have shockingly and repeatedly witnessed ICE and DHS officers detain non-violent, non-criminal immigrants immediately following mandatory court appearances, in many cases even while their case remains active and viable,” said Rep. Dan Goldman.
The legislation is supported by Rep. Dan Goldman, Adriano Espaillat, Rep. Nydia Velazquez, and House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Robert Garcia.
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani responded to recent raids on Canal Street, posting a "Known Your Rights" video online, pleading directly to immigrants when interacting with federal agents.
"ICE is legally allowed to lie to you, but you have the right to remain silent. If you're being detained, you may always ask, "Am I free to go?" repeatedly until they answer you. You are legally allowed to film ICE as long as you do not interfere with an arrest. It is important to remain calm during any interaction with ICE or law enforcement. Do not impede their investigation, resist arrest, or run," Mamdani said.
The Department of Homeland Security fired back, writing on X saying, "Dangerous Rhetoric has deadly consequences. Resisting arrest puts the safety of illegal aliens, law enforcement, and the public at risk. These activists will not slow us down or stop us. DHS law enforcement will continue to remove criminal illegal aliens from our country."
