### New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani Advocates for Immigrant Rights Amid ICE Tensions In a recent video message, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has taken a strong stance in support of the city's immigrant population, which numbers around 3 million. He emphasized the importance of understanding legal rights when interacting with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), particularly in light of recent federal raids in the city. Mamdani's message is a call to action for immigrants to be aware of their rights and to stand firm against potential overreach by federal agents, stating, "we can all stand up to ICE if you know your rights" [https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/12/09/mamdani-informs-immigrant-nyers-of-rights-not-to-comply-with-ice]. ### Overview of Mamdani's Message and Its Implications 1. **Legal Rights Awareness**: Mamdani's video outlines the legal rights of immigrants, including the right to remain silent and the right to refuse compliance with ICE agents [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3722790-mayor-elect-mamdani-stands-firm-for-immigrant-rights-in-nyc]. 2. **Response to Federal Actions**: The timing of Mamdani's message coincides with increased ICE activity in New York, particularly following a raid in Manhattan's Canal Street area [https://madhyamamonline.com/amp/world/mamdani-reminds-immigrant-new-yorkers-they-can-refuse-to-comply-with-ice-1475044]. 3. **Community Empowerment**: By encouraging immigrants to know their rights, Mamdani aims to empower the community to resist unjust treatment and to foster a sense of solidarity among New Yorkers [https://san.com/cc/know-your-rights-mamdani-reminds-immigrants-they-can-refuse-ice]. 4. **Political Context**: Mamdani's advocacy is set against a backdrop of heightened tensions between local governments and federal immigration policies, particularly under the Trump administration [https://nypost.com/2025/12/07/us-news/zohran-mamdani-gives-advice-to-thwart-evade-ice-in-video-message-calling-to-stand-up-to-feds]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Video Release**: Mamdani's video was released on December 8, 2025, and has been widely shared across social media platforms, reaching a broad audience within the immigrant community [https://todayheadline.co/mamdani-tells-immigrant-new-yorkers-about-their-right-not-to-comply-with-ice]. - **Community Impact**: The immigrant population in New York City is approximately 3 million, making up a significant portion of the city's demographic [https://www.ibtimes.com/mamdani-issues-warning-new-york-immigrants-ice-legally-allowed-lie-you-3792136]. - **Recent ICE Raids**: The recent federal raids have raised concerns among immigrant communities, prompting Mamdani's proactive approach to inform and protect these residents [https://www.wtxl.com/politics/immigration/zohran-mamdani-tells-immigrant-new-yorkers-about-their-right-not-to-comply-with-ice]. ### Conclusion: Mamdani's Commitment to Immigrant Rights In summary, **Zohran Mamdani's recent video underscores a critical moment for immigrant rights in New York City**. His advocacy is structured around four key points: 1. **Awareness of Legal Rights**: Immigrants are encouraged to understand their rights when approached by ICE. 2. **Response to Increased Federal Activity**: The message is a direct response to recent ICE raids, highlighting the need for vigilance. 3. **Empowerment of the Community**: Mamdani aims to foster a sense of empowerment and solidarity among immigrants. 4. **Political Context**: His stance reflects broader tensions between local and federal immigration policies. Mamdani's commitment to protecting immigrant rights signals a significant shift in the political landscape of New York City, aiming to create a safer environment for its diverse population [https://www.thelocalreport.in/zohran-mamdani-tells-immigrant-new-yorkers-their-right-not-to-comply-with-ice].