Mayor Zohran Mamdani recently signed a sweeping new executive order that’s strengthening New York City’s commitment to sanctuary laws.

The news was announced at an interfaith breakfast at the New York Public Library. "ICE is more than a rogue agency—it is a manifestation of the abuse of power," Mamdani told the group, as Newsweek reports.

In his 13th executive order, titled “Protecting New Yorkers from Abusive Immigration Enforcement,” city agencies are directed to review and update their policies to comply with sanctuary rules that limit how much they cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

"Across this country, day after day, we bear witness to cruelty that staggers the conscience. Masked agents, paid by our own tax dollars, violate the Constitution and visit terror upon our neighbors," said Mamdani. "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.”

Policies generally restrict ICE from using city property or resources to detain people and bar local officials from sharing personal information about residents unless required by law.

With this executive order, a new task force has been created to handle immigration and ICE-related issues, meaning City Hall wants a more coordinated response when federal agents show up at schools, shelters, hospitals, and other public places.

The New York Mayor also launched a citywide "Know Your Rights" campaign, which distributed over 30,000 flyers and booklets in 10 languages for faith leaders to share with their congregations.

“These guides are here today, ready for you to take. If you run out, we will print more. I urge you to share these with your congregants — even those who are citizens, even those whom you think ICE may not target,” he said. “These materials apply to us all: those who have been here for five generations, those who arrived last year. They apply to us all because the obligation is upon us all. To love thy neighbor, to look out for the stranger,” he said to faith leaders.

Mamdani’s latest order not only reinforces the city’s “blue” values, but it’s also seen as a safety measure after the recent deaths of citizens and immigrants around the country, at the hands of ICE agents.

"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," said the president and CEO of New York Legal Assistance Group, Lisa Rivera, to Newsweek.