Rosa Cohen Cruz advocates for immigrant legal funding at New York press conference

The New York City Council convened on June 27, 2025, to address urgent calls for increased funding for legal aid services aimed at protecting the civil rights of immigrants. Advocates and council members emphasized the critical need for legal representation as immigration enforcement intensifies in the city.

Rosa Cohen Cruz, director of immigration policy at the Bronx Defenders, highlighted the overwhelming demand for legal services, reporting a 220% increase in new immigration cases since January. She noted that the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYFAF) is the only public defender program for detained immigrants in the nation, serving as a vital lifeline for many families facing separation. Cruz criticized Mayor Eric Adams for failing to allocate sufficient resources to legal service providers, stating that without adequate funding, families are at risk of being deported without due process.

Council member Linda Lee echoed these sentiments, recalling past challenges faced by immigrant communities and stressing that immigrants are the backbone of New York City. She urged the mayor to ensure that legal services are adequately funded to prevent a repeat of past injustices, such as the public charge rule that led many immigrants to disenroll from essential benefits out of fear.

Another council member, Mercedes Narcisse, reinforced the message that every New Yorker deserves fair treatment and access to legal representation. She pointed out that the current budget does not meet the growing needs of overwhelmed legal service providers, calling for a commitment to invest in services that keep families together.

The meeting concluded with a unified call to action, urging Mayor Adams to step up and support immigrant communities by providing the necessary funding for legal aid services. Advocates and council members emphasized that ensuring legal representation is not just a matter of policy but a fundamental issue of dignity and fairness for all residents of New York City.