Faced with a second Trump presidency, immigrant rights activists are fearful, but determined.

“This is heartbreaking, and this is worrisome. However, it won’t stop us. We’re ready to fight,” said Valeria Paz Reyes, who immigrated to New York when she was 14 years old. She’s also the manager of Organizing and Strategy for New York Immigration Coalition, which organized a rally in Foley Square Thursday night.

What You Need To Know

  • Former President Trump has distanced himself from the Project 2025 agenda, but has vowed to deport undocumented immigrants in the United States

  • Mayor Eric Adams said migrants who come to the city and commit violent crimes should serve their time and then be turned over to ICE

  • Since the spring of 2022, more than 220,000 migrants have arrived in New York City

More than 100 activists, immigrants and allies protested what they call “imminent threats” posed by the Trump administration.

“It’s really important in this moment that we’re hearing terrifying anti-immigrant rhetoric that we make it exceptionally clear that being a migrant anywhere is a basic human right,” Emily Welty, who attended the rally, said.

Protesters say they are specifically concerned about the Project 2025 agenda, which seeks to create a nationwide deportation system. Trump has distanced himself from Project 2025, but has vowed to deport undocumented immigrants in the United States.

“We demand the respect and dignity for all humans, all Americans, regardless of their immigration status. That is the bottom line,” said Erum Hanif, the executive director of Apna Brooklyn Community Center.

In an interview Thursday, Mayor Eric Adams said migrants who come to the city and commit violent crimes should serve their time and then be turned over to ICE. He then reaffirmed his commitment to upholding New York’s sanctuary city status.

“This is a city of immigrants. Many people here are undocumented. We want them to continue to know their police department, hospitals, educational system is gonna provide what has been provided for years,” Mayor Adams said.

Activists say it’s vital to continue to fight for equality for all New Yorkers, especially the undocumented.

“We’re here to make sure that our communities know that we are together, that we have each other and the fight is not over. We’re gonna keep fighting, making sure that we’re protecting each other,” Paz Reyes said.

Since the spring of 2022, more than 220,000 migrants have arrived in New York City.