New York City’s Commission on Human Rights could seek fines of up to $250,000 against landlords and employers who threaten to call federal agents on undocumented immigrants or say “go back to your country” to someone.

Since 1989, the city’s human-rights law has banned discrimination based on citizenship status or “alienage” in employment, housing and public accommodations. On Wednesday, the commission released new guidelines specifying what threats violate the law.

The commission acts as a city watchdog and enforces human-rights laws. It can seek civil penalties against an individual or business accused of discrimination.

Under the new guidelines, the commission could seek a fine if a landlord, employer or store owner threatens to call Immigration and Customs Enforcement against an undocumented immigrant or someone perceived to be one. The commission would also seek civil penalties against a landlord, employer or store owner who uses the term “illegal” or “alien” against someone in a derogatory manner.

City officials said they believe New York is the first jurisdiction in the country to explicitly frame their laws to protect immigrants in such a way as it relates to housing and public accommodations, which include retail stores, restaurants and schools.