Haitians In New York Remain Resolute Amid Trump’s Deportation Threats

NEW YORK, New York – Haitians in New York  remain defiant and say they are focusing on values that will unite all Americans amid continual disparagement and fears of mass deportation of Haitians and other immigrants by administration of  the incoming US President, Donald J. Trump.

(File Photo)“As a proud Haitian-American and a firm believer in the power of democracy, I recognise that elections reflect the will of the people and that, in a democracy, we sometimes experience outcomes we may not have hoped for,” said New York City Council member, Mercedes Narcisse.

The Haitian-born representative for the 46th Council District in Brooklyn, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that “I am certainly disappointed in the rhetoric that has, at times, unfairly portrayed the Haitian-American community, including deeply hurtful and baseless accusations.

“However, it is crucial that we look forward. We must remember that democracy not only allows us the freedom to choose but also challenges us to work together, especially in times of division.”

Narcisse said she sincerely hopes that everyone can set aside the negative language and instead focus on the values that unite all Americans

“Now is a time to build bridges, not walls, and to focus on what we share as a community rather than what separates us. Let us move forward with respect, understanding and a renewed dedication to working toward a more inclusive and united nation before it is too late,” the councilmember said.

Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair,  Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, said she was deeply disappointed with the defeat of Vice President Kamala Harris, the daughter of retired Jamaican-born economist Dr. Donald Harris.

“However, Brooklyn Democrats galvanized voters, turned out the most votes of any borough of New York City, and New York State, and we are determined to continue that unity in the face of President-Elect Trump,” the representative for the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn, told CMC.

“Democrats in Brooklyn are united in steadfast opposition to the insidious forces of the Trump administration’s extreme MAGA Republican ideologies that go against our democratic ideals. Trump keeps spreading disgusting and blatantly racist fake ‘news’ attacking immigrants, particularly Haitians, including the blatantly false claims that they are eating and abducting pets,” said the New York State Assemblywoman.

She said the incoming Trump-Vance administration is repeatedly trying to spread hate and fear by specifically painting Haitians and other immigrants as dangerous criminals.

We will not allow these repugnant attacks, which are causing real danger and damage to law-abiding Haitians across the US, stand,” she said, noting that Trump has also pledged to launch “the largest deportation in the history of our country,” starting with the Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, most of whom are there legally.

But Bichotte Hermelyn said this is still the county of law and order, with checks and balances.

“And, as one of the largest Democratic organizations in the nation, the Brooklyn Democratic Party embraces our borough’s wonderfully diverse communities and stands in solidarity against oppressive and unconstitutional racist immigration policies,” she added.

“Haitians formed the world’s first Free Black Republic, and their revolution led to the US’s expansion. They shed blood for our nation’s independence as soldiers in the Battle of Savannah, while Jean Baptiste Point du Sable founded Chicago, and, today, Haitian immigrants serve as doctors, engineers and myriad roles, making America better.

“We must, and will, keep America a beacon of freedom and hope,” Bichotte Hermelyn said.

The chief executive officer of Haitian-Americans United for Progress, Inc. (HAUP), Elsie Saint Louis, noted that Trump promised to disrupt family life in the United States by deporting swiftly as many as 20 million undocumented immigrants.

“It is unfortunate that this turned out (to be) the argument that won him the popular and electoral vote. While immigrants have every reason to fear that the strong-armed measures may be extremely harsh, we urge them to not give in to panic,” said the senior official of the nonprofit organization with offices in Brooklyn and Queens,.

“They should seek counseling and guidance from reliable community service providers that are equipped to provide assistance. They should not rely on hearsay or third-party information in order to assess their options.”

She said HAUP,  a multi-program organization, providing support for individuals who are seeking immigration, educational and health services, while also assisting those with special needs, “has been committed to helping individuals and families enhance their quality of life.”

Saint Louis said HAUP,  which offers a free, full-day Pre-K program to children who are 4 years old, have expanded over the years and currently offer a multitude of services throughout the entire Tri-State are.

Haitian entertainer AniYa A., of The AniYa A. Show, a podcast in Manhattan, told CMC “Trump is a businessman, Amerikkka (her spelling) is a corporation and, because many top leaders, as well as dictators around the world, fear his level of insanity, it was a business move to put him back in (to re-elect him).”

But AniYa A.  said “our biggest enemies are ourselves. Our people truly have failed us in many ways.

“However, it also isn’t their fault, as we have been broken so badly by the white man that we hurt each other daily out of fear of being hurt. We are living lives as though we are constantly in survival mode as it is in our DNA. But, instead of working together in order to defeat our enemies, we’ve allowed our enemies to laugh at us, as they have bribed us with 30 pieces of silver to kill our leaders.”

Wesley Jean Simon, executive chef at Market Bar Bk, also told CMC “we are heartbroken by the devastating news of Donald Trump’s return to the presidency.

“His recent statements, particularly those targeting Haitians, have had a profound and direct impact on our business, our employees and the community we serve. Sales have dropped, not just in response to political turmoil, but because of the real fear and uncertainty that have gripped the hearts of so many of our friends, coworkers and neighbours.”

Jean Simon said many of his employees, including those who have just celebrated their one-year milestone in this country, are “now living with the constant worry of deportation and potential raids by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency).

“These hardworking individuals came here seeking a better life, and, for many, this is the only home they know. With the ongoing war in Haiti, the idea of returning is not just heartbreaking, it’s terrifying. For them, America is not just a place of work; it is the place they have built their lives, their futures and their families.”

The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), an umbrella policy and advocacy organization that represents over 200 immigrant and refugee rights groups throughout New York, led a rally in Foley Square in lower Manhattan protesting against the imminent threats of deportation of illegal migrants.