What is a Sanctuary City and what protections do I have in NYC?

What is a Sanctuary City?

While “Sanctuary City” is not a legal designation, the term reflects a series of policies a city has enacted that limits or refuses its cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Sanctuary cities are based on the idea that it is a matter of public safety for undocumented immigrants to be able to report crimes, seek medical help, and go to court without fearing that they will be deported or detained.

What are New York’s Sanctuary City policies?

As of March 1, 2025:

• New York City agencies are prohibited from sharing information about immigrants with federal authorities unless they were suspected of criminal activity;
• ICE is prohibited from arresting immigrants at courthouses or other state government facilities;
• The NYPD and/or the Department of Correction are barred from honoring “detainer requests” from ICE, UNLESS that person has been convicted of violent or serious crimes, is on the federal terrorist watch list, and when ICE officials have a judicial warrant;
• Generally, any request from federal immigration officials to a NYC government agency or service must be reviewed by senior city agency officials.

What is NYC advising city agencies to do if ICE shows up?

NYC Mayor Adams recently issued new guidance to city workers to ask ICE for a judicial warrant before letting them into city buildings and to only let federal agents into the building once counsel had approved.

Can ICE still arrest immigrants in NYC?

Yes, ICE can arrest undocumented individuals on its own accord within the five boroughs, but it must do so independent from the NYPD and the Corrections Department. ICE must also have a judicial warrant in order to enter private spaces. See more on what you should do if ICE shows up to your home or approaches you on the street here.

Is it safe for undocumented immigrants to enter hospitals, schools, churches and courthouses? 

NYC’s sanctuary city policies are still in place, meaning city and state officials are technically not supposed to cooperate with ICE, including at city hospitals, schools, churches, and courthouses. NYC Mayor Adams also reaffirmed those protections in testimony before Congress in March 2025. That said, immigrants in NYC should always be vigilant and understand their rights if they encounter ICE. 

What are my rights if I encounter ICE?

Be sure to read up on your rights and what you could say if you encounter ICE at home, at work, on the street, or in public settings. Read more here.

You should also reach out to a legal advocate if you have specific worries or concerns by either calling the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs hotline at 1-800-354-0365 or by calling 311 and saying “Immigration.” Read more here.

RESOURCES:

• NYC Is A Sanctuary City. Can ICE Arrest at Migrant Shelters Under Trump? (Make the Road NY)
• What Is a Sanctuary City and What Does That Mean for NYC Under Trump? (The City)
• Sanctuary City Laws in NYC (Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs)

Know Your Rights with ICE (Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs)

For free legal help, call Legal Services NYC at 917-661-4500 Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more about our intake process here.

* The information does not constitute legal advice. You should always consult an attorney regarding your matter. Legal help subject to capacity and location.