Standing in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors

Posted Friday, April 25, 2025 12:14 pm

Two rallies protecting our immigrant neighbors took place over the weekend. One in Bryant Park and one in Washington Heights, a neighborhood known or its Dominican population which is the largest immigrant demographic in NYC.

ET Rodriguez

Assemblyman and mayoral candidate, Zohran Mamdani stood in solidarity with protestors on a summer-like day last weekend. “People are being kidnapped across the city, across the country,” he told the group at 157th Street and Broadway. Mamdani read the names of several individuals currently being unlawfully detained, including Andry Hernández Romero who was wrongfully deported after fleeing Venezuela for fear of persecution due to his sexual orientation.

ET Rodriguez

From left, Madeline Ritter, founded the Riverdale chapter of Bend the Arc: Jewish Action in 2016 – an advocacy group fighting against white supremacy, antisemitism and racism with justice for all. Susan Werbe, (center) moved to Riverdale 1 year and a half ago and was excited to join the neighborhood’s chapter of Bend the Arc, an organization she has been familiar with for years. Daniel Guenzburger is on the steering committee of Northwest Bronx Indivisible and helped brings nearly 40 people to the rally on Saturday, April 19

ET Rodriguez

America and specifically, NYC was founded by immigrants and the food landscape reflects this diversity. Chinese takeout, pizza parties, $8 dollar lunch specials at your local Dominican spot, gyros and more, would not be enjoyed by New Yorkers had immigrants not been a part of our historical tapestry.

ET Rodriguez

Almost 100 people came out for a rally in Washington Heights over the weekend in support of their immigrant neighbors. Protests have been held across NYC in response to President Trump’s illegal deportations, DEI cutbacks, federal funding freezes and more. The same day, a protest in Bryant Park saw hundreds of rallygoers.

ET Rodriguez

by ET Rodriguez

“No one is illegal on stolen land,” read one of the many signs at a rally supporting immigrants’ rights over the weekend.

Several organizations from Riverdale, including Northwest Indivisible, the Ruth Mullen Huddle and Bend the Arc: Jewish action, joined the events on Saturday, April 19, with protests happening both, in Bryant Park and Washington Heights. The latter, a neighborhood known for its predominantly Dominican population which is also the largest immigrant demographic in NYC.

“We’re all children of immigrants,” said Madeline Ritter, founder of the Riverdale chapter of Bend the Arc: Jewish Action. “And if any immigrant is detained or oppressed it’s a part of our history and we object to it strongly.”

Since the Trump administration released Immigrant and Customs Enforcement agents across the country – with a strong sweep in the Bronx starting in January -- protests have proliferated the streets of NYC, a place historically known as a sanctuary city where institutions and organizations openly refrained from cooperating with ICE.

In addition to his illegal deportations, protestors also spoke out against President Trump’s cutbacks to Medicaid which many immigrants depend on for healthcare and rallied to wanr the administaration to keep its hands off social security benefits.

Trump's recent actions have prompted legal challenges and public outcry. While he argues these measures are necessary for national security and fiscal responsibility, opponents contend that they undermine constitutional protections and jeopardize the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.

Additionally, the administration has suggested implementing work requirements for Medicaid recipients, potentially disqualifying those who do not meet specified employment criteria. These proposals have faced opposition from various advocacy groups, who warn that such measures could result in millions losing access to essential healthcare services.

As legal proceedings continue, the outcomes will likely have lasting implications for U.S. immigration policy.

Keywords

Immigrants, deportations, Medicaid, healthcare, migrants, Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, Northwest Bronx Indivisible, ICE, Ruth Mullen Huddle

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Standing in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors

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