NYC promotes free legal hotline for immigrants after court ruling on ICE agents

New York City is reinforcing its commitment to supporting its immigrant community by highlighting a free legal hotline available to migrants. The initiative comes in the wake of a federal court ruling concerning the use of masks by federal agents during operations.

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Public safety does not come from agents armed in masks taking people off our streets.

Mayor Eric Adams took to social media to address the community, stating, "Public safety does not come from armed agents in masks taking people off our streets." He assured New York's immigrants, "You belong in this city, and this city is with you."

The hotline, operated by the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), provides confidential legal guidance. It is accessible by calling 1-800-354-0365 or by dialing 311 and requesting "immigration legal" services. The service assists with inquiries about immigration policies, available resources, and referrals for city-funded legal aid, though it does not arrange appointments or provide immediate representation.

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To immigrant New Yorkers: you belong in this city, and this city is with you.

This outreach follows a federal court's decision on August 3rd, which temporarily halted parts of a New York state law. The law aimed to prohibit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from operating with their faces covered and required them to display visible identification. Judge Mae D’Agostino ruled that these state-imposed regulations likely conflicted with the U.S. Constitution's Supremacy Clause, as such operational details fall under federal agency authority.

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If you need legal support, our line is free, confidential, and available regardless of your immigration status.