A citywide coalition of nonprofit law firms that represent low-income New Yorkers in criminal, civil, and family courts has launched OurCityOurRights.org a know-your-rights website built for immigrant New Yorkers, protesters, and others at risk of encounters with federal immigration agents or law enforcement.
The site offers clear, step-by-step guidance developed by the city’s public defender and civil legal services community, including: how to interact with federal immigration agents; what rights apply during public demonstrations; and how to access free legal help after an enforcement action. Resources are designed for quick use on a phone and point visitors to local organizations that can provide immediate assistance.
Alongside the launch, the coalition unveiled a new name: the Our City, Our Rights Alliance (OCORA). Formed two years ago to coordinate responses to legal challenges affecting New Yorkers, the alliance says recent work has focused on rising Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity and ensuring impacted communities receive timely legal support, practical information, and meaningful protections.
“Every New Yorker deserves safety, dignity, and access to legal support — especially when federal enforcement actions intensify,” the coalition said in a statement. “OurCityOurRights.org was created to ensure that people have the information and tools they need to protect themselves, their families and their communities.”
OCORA members include The Legal Aid Society, Brooklyn Defender Services, The Bronx Defenders, Queens Defenders, New York Legal Assistance Group, Mobilization for Justice, Neighborhood Defender Service, Federal Defenders of New York, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, Lawyers For Children, Center for Family Representation, Housing Conservation Coordinators, Make the Road New York, and other public defender and legal services organizations.
More information and resources are available at OurCityOurRights.org.
