Council sponsor presents 'Know Your Rights' bill to require immigration-rights signage on city property

Council Member Alexa Vles introduced Intro 55A, the New York City Know Your Rights Act, which would require the mayor to create and post signage on city property that explains New Yorkers’ rights when interacting with federal immigration enforcement.

“This bill requires that the mayor create and hang signage on city property telling people about their rights when engaging with federal immigration enforcement,” the sponsor said, saying the measure comes at “a critical moment for our city and our immigrant communities.” The sponsor framed the bill as paired with the council’s call for increased funding for legal services and said signage would help both New Yorkers and city employees recall municipal mandates.

In remarks the sponsor tied the bill to broader national developments, citing recent federal budget actions and framing the measure as a protection amid what she described as heightened enforcement. She thanked advocates, service providers and council legislative staff for their work on the bill and said she looked forward to coordinating with the mayor’s office to implement required signage.

Intro 55A was introduced for consideration during the stated agenda; the transcript does not record a final vote or implementation plan. The sponsor also urged robust funding for legal services to help immigrants access counsel during heightened enforcement periods; the speaker earlier asked the administration to include $81.5 million for organizations that assist immigrant New Yorkers to secure legal representation.