NEW YORK, New York – Immigration advocacy groups on Saturday welcomed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s initiatives to protect immigrants in the city. On Friday, the mayor announced and signed an executive order on sanctuary policies to strengthen protections for immigrant New Yorkers – and the public safety of all New Yorkers.
The executive order will expand the Department of Investigation’s oversight of sanctuary law compliance and establish a partnership with the City Council to strengthen protections and accountability.
Noting that New York is a city built and maintained by immigrants, Murad Awawdeh, president and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the mayor’s “will bring us closer to a city where every New Yorker can live in safety and dignity.”
NYIC is an umbrella policy and advocacy organization that represents over 200 immigrant and refugee rights groups throughout New York.
“The federal government is waging a lawless and unaccountable campaign of terror against immigrants across the country and right here in New York City,” Awawdeh said. “From our streets to our courthouses, immigrant New Yorkers are forced to look over their shoulders in fear.
“Mayor Mamdani’s announcement recognizes his responsibility to defend all residents from abusive immigration enforcement, and our moral obligation to protect our immigrant neighbors from these attacks,” he added. “We applaud Mayor Mamdani for taking decisive action to fight for our immigrant neighbors.
“We look forward to implementing these public safety initiatives together with City Hall, and affirming New York’s values of welcome and inclusion,” Awawdeh continued.
The mayor’s executive order also includes a prohibition on the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency entering New York City property without a judicial warrant, including schools, shelters, and hospitals; enhancement of privacy protections to avoid New Yorkers’ private data from being unlawfully accessed by the federal government; a public safety audit report submitted to the NYC Mayor to ensure essential NYC agencies comply with City laws; and the creation of an interagency committee to coordinate policy in the event of a major crisis.
Make the Road New York (MRNY), another immigrant advocacy group, also welcomed the mayor’s action.
“Everyone in New York, whether their family arrived yesterday or generations ago, deserves to live in safety,” Natalia Aristizabal, MRNY’s deputy director, told CMC. “At a time when immigrants are being subjected to brutality and terror from masked federal agents, we welcome Mayor Mamdani’s executive orders to protect all New Yorkers.
At the first annual Interfaith Breakfast of his administration on Friday, Mayor Mamdani announced sweeping new actions to uphold New York City’s sanctuary city laws and protect immigrant New Yorkers.
The breakfast brought together nearly 400 faith and community leaders from across the five boroughs.
During the event, Mamdani signed the comprehensive executive order, stating that it reaffirms the city’s commitment to being a sanctuary for all New Yorkers.
