Immigrant advocates rally against US President-elect Trump’s deportation agenda

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

NYIC, an umbrella policy and advocacy organisation 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 Organising 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 neighbours 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 neighbours 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 militarised, 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 on Thursday night took place in Albany, “which has historically been the gateway for newcomers to this country".

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

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.