New York City is home to the largest and most diverse immigrant population in the United States.
Whether you arrived recently or have lived here for decades, whether you have documentation or not, this city has laws designed to protect you. The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) exists specifically to make sure every immigrant New Yorker knows those laws and can use them.
At a time when federal immigration enforcement is more aggressive than at any point in recent memory, knowing your rights isn’t optional. It’s essential.
What MOIA Does for You
MOIA is a charter-mandated city office with one job: making sure immigrants can access services, legal protections, and support regardless of status.
Between 2022 and 2025, MOIA invested over $126 million in community-based organizations and served more than 500,000 immigrant New Yorkers across all five boroughs.
In July 2025, MOIA launched the largest, most comprehensive municipal immigrant legal services network in the United States, expanding free legal help, support services, and rights education directly in immigrant neighborhoods across the city.
The FY2026 budget brought immigrant legal services funding to a record $122.9 million.
These aren’t just numbers. They’re lawyers, interpreters, hotlines, and neighborhood hubs ready to serve you.
New York City’s Sanctuary Protections Are Stronger Than Ever
In February 6, 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed Executive Order 13, comprehensively reaffirming New York City’s sanctuary commitments.
ICE cannot enter NYC property without a judicial warrant. This includes schools, hospitals, shelters, parking lots, and all other city-owned facilities.
Your personal data is protected. City agencies are prohibited from sharing information they collected for city purposes with federal immigration authorities, except as required by law. Every agency has been directed to appoint a privacy officer and certify compliance.
In January 2026, the NYC City Council also voted to override a veto of the Safer Sanctuary Act, which permanently prohibits federal immigration agents from conducting civil immigration enforcement on Department of Correction property, including Rikers Island. No future administration can undo this.
Under New York City’s existing sanctuary laws, city agencies cannot share your information with federal authorities unless you are suspected of a crime.
The NYPD and Department of Correction cannot honor ICE detainer requests unless you have been convicted of a violent or serious crime, are on the federal terrorist watchlist, or ICE has provided a judicial warrant.
ICE is also barred from making arrests at courthouses and other state government facilities under New York’s Protect Our Courts Act.
Mayor Mamdani has distributed over 30,000 multilingual Know Your Rights flyers and booklets to faith institutions across the city, and rights information now appears on 4,000 LinkNYC kiosks citywide.
If You Encounter ICE: Know This
At your home:
You do not have to open the door. ICE cannot enter without a judicial warrant, meaning a warrant signed by a judge, not an administrative warrant (ICE Form I-200 or I-205). Ask them to slide any warrant under the door so you can verify it before opening.
On the street or in public:
You have the right to remain silent. You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status, birthplace, or how you entered the country. You have the right to refuse consent to searches. If stopped, clearly state: “I want to speak to a lawyer.”
At your workplace:
Workplace raids require ICE to meet specific legal thresholds. You still have the right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney before answering questions.
If detained:
Do not sign any documents without first speaking to an immigration attorney. You have the right to contact your consulate. Contact the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline immediately at 1-800-354-0365.
If you are an immigrant parent or caregiver, MOIA also recommends designating a standby guardian for your child now, before any emergency arises. Choose a trusted contact, memorize their number, and consult a legal services provider about your options.
Free Legal Help Is Available Right Now
MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline: Call 1-800-354-0365, or dial 311 and say “Immigration Legal.”
Hours:
Monday and Wednesday: 9 AM to 8 PM
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 AM to 6 PM
Last Saturday of each month: 9 AM to 5 PM.
The hotline provides policy information and connects you to city-funded legal providers who speak your language near your neighborhood.
MOIA Immigration Legal Support Centers:
38 centers across all five boroughs, housed in community sites, public health facilities, schools, and libraries.
Services include free legal screenings, full representation, and pro-se assistance. Your information is fully confidential. Eligibility applies to households with income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
General inquiries: Call 212-788-7654, Monday to Friday 9 AM to 5 PM, or email AskMOIA@cityhall.nyc.gov.
Beyond MOIA, you also have access to IDNYC, the city’s free municipal ID available to all residents age 10 and up. NYC Health + Hospitals provides care regardless of immigration status; call 1-844-NYC-4NYC to find a location near you.
Free English classes are available in all five boroughs at wespeaknyc.cityofnewyork.us.
You Are Not Alone
New York City has built the most robust municipal immigrant protection infrastructure in the country. The laws, the funding, and the people are in place. Your job is to know your rights and use them.
If you have questions specific to your personal situation, about your visa status, TPS, DACA, a pending application, or a family member’s case, immigration attorneys are standing by at ImmigrationQuestion.com.
ImmigrationQuestion.com allows you ask questions in a way that licensed immigration attorneys in the network can respond in plain language.
Start with what you know. You have rights. New York City is on your side.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can ICE arrest me in New York City even though it’s a sanctuary city?
Yes. ICE is a federal agency and can still operate here, but NYPD and city agencies are prohibited from helping them, and ICE cannot enter city property or your home without a judicial warrant.
2. What is the difference between a judicial warrant and an administrative warrant?
A judicial warrant is signed by a judge and gives ICE legal authority to enter your home. An administrative warrant (Form I-200 or I-205) is signed by an ICE officer only and does not.
3. Do I have to answer ICE’s questions if I’m stopped on the street?
No. You have the constitutional right to remain silent and are not required to share anything about your immigration status, birthplace, or how you entered the country.
4. Can I access NYC services like healthcare and school without fear of deportation?
Yes. NYC sanctuary policies prohibit schools, hospitals, and other city agencies from cooperating with ICE. Using city services will not trigger immigration enforcement.
5. How do I know if an immigration lawyer or “notario” is legitimate?
Only consult a licensed attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative. If someone claims to offer legal services without those credentials, report them immediately to the MOIA hotline at 1-800-354-0365.
