Photos and videos are available here
Livestream of the rally is available here
Albany, NY—Today, the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), Adelante Student Voices, Capital District Border Watch, the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement (CCSM), Eden’s Rose Foundation, Refugee & Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE), elected officials, member organizations, allies, and immigrant New Yorkers rallied and held a press conference a West Capitol Park.
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 neighbors. 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.
“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. 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,” said Jahaira Roldan, Capital Region Manager of Organizing and Strategy, New York Immigration Coalition.
“I am 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,” said Assembly Member-Elect Gabriella Romero, District 109.
“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,” said Bryan MacCormack, Co-executive Director, Columbia County Sanctuary Movement.
“We are gathering tonight in Albany, the capital of New York, 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. 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 neighbors, 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?” said Hayden Schwartz, Senior Director of Operations, Eden’s Rose Foundation.