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RESIST!
Defending Immigrants
While the international surge of mass migration of the past twenty years is due to people seeking economic opportunity and fleeing conflict, the impact of the global climate crisis has made it increasingly difficult for rural people to feed their families and this economic collapse has been at the root of many conflicts. Our collective failure to address this crisis turns victims trying to survive into scapegoats.
At the same time, NYC is the quintessential city of immigrants – we know in our bones it is a world capital of culture and finance because we welcome people from everywhere. We want to defend our immigrant friends and neighbors, and acknowledge they often do the very important and hardest work that makes our city run.
Trump has made vilifying and expelling immigrants a signature goal of his administration. As a result vast numbers of immigrants both newly arrived and residents who have lived here for decades, have been forced to stop working, keep their children home from school and otherwise live in fear. On any given night, hundreds of people are detained by ICE in jails and prisons across the state and country. They are subjected to inhumane conditions and are separated from their families and communities. On 2/14/25, the Adam’s administration, cooperating with Trump’s “mass deportation” plans, announced that between June 2024 and June 2025, it will have closed 52 migrant shelters.
The most basic information for immigrants is the following:
- If you are concerned you may be at risk of deportation, you can get free, safe immigration advice and assistance from the ActionNYC hotline at 1-800-354-0365.
- If a family member or friend is detained and needs a lawyer, call The Legal Aid Society's hotline at 1-844-955-3425.
What everyone can do:
NYC has many great immigrant defense organizations, here are three of the best:
Relevant legislation:
Elected officials and legislation will play an important role in defending immigrants as Trump weaponizes ICE to forcibly deport individuals and tear families apart. Call your legislators and urge them to support these two bills:
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The New York for All Act (S. 987 Gounardes /A. 5686 Reyes) broadly prohibits state and local officers from enforcing federal immigration laws, funneling people into ICE custody, and sharing sensitive information with ICE. It prohibits ICE from entering non-public areas of state and local property without a judicial warrant.
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Dignity Not Detention Act (S306 Salazar /A4354 Reyes) Several counties in New York profit from immigration detention and ICE is actively seeking to expand detention in New York. This bill aims to get New York out of the business of immigration detention.
Relevant articles:
Get involved in one of our workgroups!
350Brooklyn is volunteer-powered. At the heart of these efforts are our campaigns and committees. Follow the links below for more information on how to join.
Arts Ideas and Events organizes special events and field trips; identifies topics and arranges speakers for 350Brooklyn member meetings; and creates art, props and costumes for rallies and parades. We welcome your ideas and talents. Email us at [email protected].
Climate Check Stories and Solutions is 350Brooklyn’s podcast. Each monthly episode breaks down the climate crisis through conversations with local climate activists and community organizers. We discuss individual climate stories and pinpoint policies and local actions that can lead us to a healthier climate and a more just society—from fighting pipelines to working with nature and everything in-between. Email us at [email protected].
350BK Families is part of the Climate Families NYC coalition which aims to make climate activism accessible to parents and families. Our activities bring children, youth, and their adults together to fight for a livable future in age appropriate ways. Email us at [email protected].
Legislation focuses on passing significant climate legislation in Albany and in Washington. We develop relationships with local officials, research key issues, and participate in tactics like rallies and phone relays. email [email protected].
The Media Committee is 350Brooklyn's all-around in-house media team. We write copy, design graphics, run 350BK's social media channels and website, edit our biweekly community newsletter, and oversee creative initiatives like the new 350Brooklyn e-magazine Parts Per Million. Get in touch at [email protected].
People vs. Fossil Fuels/350BK is an action focused-group that works with the national PvFF coalition calling on President Biden to declare a climate emergency, stop approving fossil fuel leases and exports, and support the work of frontline communities across the country. Join us to have fun while we fight the black snake! Learn about the national coalition: peoplevsfossilfuels.org. Email: [email protected]
Plastic Free works to eliminate plastic pollution and reduce reliance on single-use plastic products. We meet monthly via Zoom, and work on a variety of projects including legislative lobbying efforts, campaigns promoting going plastic free, and neighborhood efforts to reduce waste. Email us at [email protected].
Renewable Brooklyn College is part of the citywide movement to decarbonize CUNY campuses. 350Brooklyn is working with faculty and staff to turn Brooklyn College into a renewable hub that can help relieve the area’s overstressed grid while serving as a local pilot project for making the transition from fossil fuels to renewables. Email [email protected] to get involved.
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