New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has signed an executive order intended to strengthen the city’s sanctuary protections and limit actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The order, signed at the annual Interfaith Breakfast at the New York Public Library, is described by the mayor as a broad reaffirmation of the city’s commitment to protect immigrant residents and uphold sanctuary city laws.
“ICE is more than a rogue agency—it is a manifestation of the abuse of power,” Mamdani told the group of faith leaders on February 6.
Why It Matters
ICE and Border Patrol are under growing scrutiny over allegations of misconduct and the use of excessive force, particularly after federal immigration agents killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis last month. Protesters, advocacy groups and some lawmakers have called for reforms in federal immigration enforcement.
What To Know
Under Mamdani’s directive, city agencies are required to safeguard personal information and limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
This latest executive order, Mamdani’s 13th since taking office, prohibits sharing information collected for city purposes with federal authorities except when required by law. Each agency has 14 days to appoint a privacy officer and take other steps to ensure compliance.
The order directs the New York Police Department, Department of Correction, Department of Probation, Administration for Children’s Services and Department of Social Services to audit their internal policies on interactions with federal immigration authorities and make any necessary changes public. It also bars ICE agents from entering city-controlled properties such as schools, hospitals, shelters and parking facilities without a judicial warrant.
Mamdani accompanied the executive order with a “Know Your Rights” campaign distributing tens of thousands of flyers in multiple languages to explain individuals’ legal rights when interacting with immigration authorities.
What People Are Saying
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said on Friday: “That is why this morning, I am signing an executive order that will strengthen our city’s protection of our fellow New Yorkers from abusive immigration enforcement. This order is a sweeping reaffirmation of our commitment to our immigrant neighbors. We have also prepared 30,000 guides to New Yorkers’ rights in 10 languages spoken by some of the most heavily targeted populations in our city, teaching our neighbors what to do if ICE comes for them.”
Lisa Rivera, the president and CEO of New York Legal Assistance Group, told Newsweek: “New York Legal Assistance Group applauds Mayor Mamdani for reaffirming New York City’s commitment to uphold sanctuary laws and protect our immigrant neighbors with today’s executive order.”
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a news release on Friday: “Mamdani will make New Yorkers less safe as a direct result of this policy. There are currently 7,113 criminal illegal aliens in the custody of a New York jurisdiction with an active detainer. The crimes of these aliens include 148 homicides, 717 assaults, 134 burglaries, 106 robberies, 235 dangerous drugs offenses, 152 weapons offenses, and 260 sexual predatory offenses.”
Murad Awawdeh, the president and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition, said in a statement: “New York is a city built and maintained by immigrants—from its culture to its skyscrapers—and today’s executive order will bring us closer to a city where every New Yorker can live in safety and dignity. The federal government is waging a lawless and unaccountable campaign of terror against immigrants across the country and right here in New York City. From our streets to our courthouses, immigrant New Yorkers are forced to look over their shoulders in fear.”
In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it’s not “both sides,” it’s sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.
When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
