(NEW YORK, NY) — Today, a broad coalition of New York City’s nonprofit law firms that contract with the city to provide legal services to low-income New Yorkers in criminal, civil, and family courts launched OurCityOurRights.org, a comprehensive know-your-rights resource designed for immigrant New Yorkers as well as individuals engaged in protest activity and those who are at-risk of encountering federal immigration agents and law enforcement.
The site offers clear, accessible legal information compiled by New York City’s public defender and civil legal services community. It includes guidance on interacting with federal immigration agents, understanding one’s rights in public demonstrations, and accessing legal assistance in the event of enforcement encounters.
The citywide coalition — originally formed two years ago — today unveiled its new name, “Our City, Our Rights Alliance” (OCORA). Built to have a coordinated response to a broad spectrum of legal challenges facing New Yorkers, OCORA has been particularly focused on the recent surge in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. Its goal is to ensure that impacted New Yorkers receive comprehensive legal support, clear and accessible know-your-rights information, and robust community protection.
“Every New Yorker deserves safety, dignity, and access to legal support — especially when federal enforcement actions intensify,” the coalition stated. “OurCityOurRights.org was created to ensure that people have the information and tools they need to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.”
The coalition includes: The Legal Aid Society, Build Up Justice NYC, New York Legal Assistance Group, Mobilization for Justice, Housing Conservation Coordinators, Lawyers For Children, Brooklyn Defender Services, Neighborhood Defender Service, Federal Defenders of New York, New York County Defender Services, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, The Children’s Law Center, NMIC, Center for Family Representation, The Bronx Defenders, Make the Road New York, Queens Defenders, and other public defender and legal service organizations committed to protecting immigrant communities and upholding civil rights throughout New York City.
For more information, visit OurCityOurRights.org.
