As the incoming Trump administration confirms plans for draconian mass deportation and separation of families, it is important for immigrant New Yorkers and their allies to understand their rights under the law. The facts below provide clarity on federal and state laws regarding arrests by federal immigration authorities, protections afforded to New Yorkers regardless of immigration status, legal resources, and other key information.

New York, NY—Today, Donald Trump was elected the 47th President of the United States.

Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:

“Trump will not defeat us. New York would not be the same without the immigrants who have built and rebuilt our culture and economy for generations.

New York, NY—Today, Mayor Eric Adams announced the February 2025 closure of the Randalls Island Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center (HERRC), which houses single and married adult asylum seekers in congregate settings.

Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:

“New York should be investing in the future success of everyone who lives in our great city, whether they arrived here 30 days or 30 years ago.

The stay blocks the federal government from granting approvals for 14 days; applications are still being accepted

New York, NY—Yesterday, Judge J. Campbell Barker in the U.S. Eastern District of Texas granted an administrative stay barring the federal government from granting approvals for the Keeping Families Together parole in place program for the next 14 days.

New York, NY—Yesterday, the Brooklyn District Attorney (DA) brought a hate crime charge against a former city parks worker for allegedly killing an asylum seeker originally from Venezuela near the Hall Street shelter in Clinton Hill in July. Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez stated, “This premeditated and coldblooded homicide is outrageous on many levels, not least because the alleged motive was hatred towards new arrivals to our city.

New York, NY—Today, it was reported that the Adams administration will be giving 60-day eviction notices to asylum seeking families (around 30,000 parents and children) living in Department of Homeless Services shelters. This is in addition to the 20,000 parents and children living in Health and Hospitals Corporation and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development shelters who are already subject to 60-day eviction notices.

New York, NY—Today, Mayor Eric Adams and his Administration said that asylum seeker encampments are not allowed anywhere in New York City, and that the City will work with the NYPD and Parks Department to clear them.

Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:

“All New Yorkers need stable housing in order to build productive and healthy lives.

New York, NY—Today, Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Lyle Frank struck down a lawsuit that would have forced the Adams administration and the Department of Homeless Services to implement the CityFHEPS housing voucher package that was passed in May 2023 by the City Council.

New York—Today, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy released a new study showing the massive tax contributions of undocumented immigrants nationally and in New York State. Like all people living and working in the United States, undocumented immigrants pay sales, excise, property, income and payroll taxes.

New York, NY—Yesterday, the New York City Mayor and City Council passed a $112.4 billion executive budget for FY25. The NYIC applauds the inclusion of several priorities in this budget including $25 million for Promise NYC; $100 million for early childhood programming; $14 million for adult literacy; an additional $58.6 million for initiatives like NYIFUP, ICARE and others, alongside an increase of $4.4 million for legal services for immigrant families; $3.8 million for language access worker cooperatives and an interpreter bank; $3.6 million for Access Health; $700K for Key to the City; and $58 million to reverse cuts to the city’s public libraries.