New York City schools have released a 'Know Your Rights' comic book for immigrant families.

Amid the rise in deportations to the United States during Donald Trump's second term, New York City schools are stepping up their outreach to immigrant families about their rights. The latest step in this effort is the release of an educational comic book. It focuses on interactions with immigration authorities, reports DailyNews.

New York City schools have already conducted trainings, distributed handouts, and referred families to lawyers and human rights defendersHowever, the city's education department decided to use a more accessible format for children and adolescents.

Know Your Rights comic

The New York City Department of Education has released a 32-page comic book, "Know Your Rights."

It is based on real news reports and was produced in collaboration with Mayor Zohran Mamdani's Immigrant Affairs Office.

The authors note that the purpose of the publication is to help immigrant families understand their right and be prepared for possible encounters with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

On the subject: New York employers discriminate against immigrants and threaten them with deportation.

Education Commissioner Qamar Samuels said the city is committed to making schools safe spaces for all children, regardless of their background.

He noted that complex topics need to be discussed through accessible formats, especially as summer approaches.

Sanctions status and political context

The comic reflects New York's policy as a "sanctuary city."

Under these rules, federal immigration agents like ICE cannot enter public schools without a court order. This position has become a source of political controversy amid the Trump administration's tightening immigration policies.

The federal government previously filed a lawsuit against the city over its approach to protecting undocumented immigrants.

School programs to support immigrants

The comic became part of a broader support system.

It includes:

• programs to help new migrant families;
• networks of parents and activists responding to detentions;
• educational initiatives in schools.

This is the 42nd comic book released by the New York City public school system.

In total, more than 5,6 million copies of graphic materials were printed.

Distribution and translation

The comic will be distributed in schools along with teaching materials.

Already printed:

• 75,000 copies in English;
• 75,000 copies in Spanish.

In addition, translation into several more languages ​​in digital format is planned.

Real stories and examples

The comic features a story about the Alfonso family from the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens.

In one scene, an ICE agent comes to the door of their apartment. The family's son, Diego, reminds his father of his rights and tells him not to open the door right away.

History shows the importance of knowing legal procedures and rights when dealing with immigration services.

Education Department representatives note that such materials help children better understand their rights.

Officials say schoolchildren are sometimes the most informed members of a family and can protect themselves and their loved ones.

The importance of the initiative

City officials emphasize that the comic's goal is to make complex legal information accessible and understandable.

This is especially important given the increase in detentions and deportations of schoolchildren and their families in recent years.

The comic became part of the city's large-scale educational program on civic and social education.