Immigrant Advocates Rally Against US President-Elect Trump’s Deportation Agenda

NEW YORK, New York – The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) Thursday night led a rally on New York State’s Capitol strongly opposing United States President-elect Donald J. Trump’s mass deportation agenda that includes Haitian immigrants.

NYIC, an umbrella policy and advocacy organization that represents over 200 immigrant and refugee rights groups throughout New York, was joined at the rally, by several other immigrant advocacy groups, individuals and elected officials.

“The Capital District has historically been, and will continue to be, a welcoming place for immigrants. Like other upstate cities including Buffalo, Rochester and Utica, Albany has seen its economy and culture rebuilt by the contributions of immigrant and refugee neighbours,” NYIC said.

 “As we enter an uncertain time around the next Presidential administration, immigrant advocates and allies will stand together in solidarity with all immigrants in our communities.”

NYIC’s Capital Region Manager of Organizing and Strategy, Jahaira Roldan, said that “immigrants are the backbone of our economy and culture across the state, and a vital part of our Albany community.

“As New York’s population is projected to continue declining, it is imperative that we welcome new neighbors into our communities and workforce. Unfortunately, politicians from Washington to Albany have spewed anti-immigrant rhetoric in hopes of advancing their own careers.

“But here in the Capital District, we will continue to welcome our immigrant neighbors with open arms,” Roldan said, adding “it’s not only the right thing to do, but will also ensure our collective economic success into the future. Together, we must protect and defend everyone who calls Albany home.”

New York State Assembly Member-elect Gabriella Romero, told the rally that she was “deeply alarmed by the implications of a potential Trump presidency and the threats posed to immigrant communities by the Project 2025 agenda.

“This is not just a political moment; it is a moral one. Immigrant protections do more than uphold the law; they make our communities stronger, safer and more vibrant.

“Sanctuary cities, like Albany, are a testament to our shared values, a commitment to human dignity, family unity, and the right for everyone to live without fear. As a proud representative of Albany, I will continue to fight tirelessly to protect our sanctuary city status. Whether as your councilmember now or as your assemblymember next year, I promise to do everything in my power to ensure Albany remains a beacon of hope and safety for all,” Romero added.

The co-executive director of Columbia County Sanctuary Movement, Bryan MacCormack, said that “as the incoming administration promises the largest deportation campaign in the history of our country, we continue to build intersectional collective power to disrupt the current and future mass deportation machine.

“We refuse to stand by idle as families are separated, our communities are militarized, and white supremacy runs rampant. From know your rights trainings to direct actions, we will continue to move toward collective liberation by any means necessary.”

The senior director of operations at Eden’s Rose Foundation, Hayden Schwartz, noted that the gathering onThursday night took place in Albany, “which has historically been the gateway for newcomers to this country.

“Albany is a sanctuary city; we have an obligation to honor that, and we have an obligation to truly enable families and individuals to feel like they have arrived at home,” he said.

“The folks fighting to stay where they landed have gone through unspeakable trauma in order to get a seat at the table, and it is vital that all people here and their children are able to grow up knowing that they are welcome and accepted where they are and how they are, regardless of origin or status.

“It is time for us as a community to provide audacious hospitality to our neighbours, without hesitation. Migrants are vital to our local economy, enrich our shared cultural fabric that illuminates the Capital Region, and all of them are here because they want to contribute to society, work and raise their families. Is it an American value to deny that slice of humanity to those seeking it?”

On Monday, the Brooklyn-based immigrant advocacy group, Make the Road New York,  called on New York Governor Kathy Hochul to denounce Trump’s plans to use the military for mass deportations of immigrants.

“Over and over again Donald Trump has shown that his administration will make it a priority to cause devastating damage to immigrant communities,” Theo Oshiro, co-executive director of Make the Road New York (MRNY), told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

Trump has already indicated that he plans to declare a national emergency and use the military to aid in the mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.

NYIC’s president and chief executive officer, Murad Awawdeh, told CMC Trump has explicitly threatened to deploy local law enforcement to deport all undocumented immigrants in the U, an estimated 11 million people.

“Trump’s victory won’t stop our movement from standing up to his racist and fascist agenda. New York would not be the same without the 4.5 million immigrants who have helped shape our culture and fueled our economy for generations.

“Donald Trump has demonized our communities and promised to tear our families apart starting on Day One, but we will not be intimidated,” he added.