New York City Council leaders demand 'Hands off, New York City' as they condemn federal deployments and ICE actions

New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and council members addressed a gathering calling on the Trump administration to stop deploying federal forces and ICE operations that they say have disrupted neighborhoods and harmed immigrant communities.

"We don't want or need a military or federal occupation," Adams said, identifying herself as New York City Council Speaker and warning that deployments "would threaten public safety and hurt our city's economy, small businesses, and workers." She told the assembled officials and advocates that the council had gathered "in unison to send a clear message to the Trump administration: Hands off, New York City."

The event came, Adams noted, "two days away from early voting," and framed the federal actions as political and destabilizing. She said the administration's enforcement activities have "been attacking our city in ways that undermine public safety and working class families" and described ICE actions in Chinatown that she said created "chaos and arresting street vendors."

Council Member Crystal Hudson, co-chair of the council's Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus, said the deployments "stoke fear and division" and vowed the caucus "will stand up, we will fight back, and we will protect New Yorkers at all costs." Hudson thanked Speaker Adams "for securing millions of dollars in funding for immigrant services and legal support," an amount referenced in the remarks but not specified during the event.

Reverend Charles O'Galbraith of Alliance Tabernacle recounted a parishioner who faced a deportation order and whose deportation was later rescinded; he said ICE agents were waiting outside the courthouse and described the incident as causing fear that kept some people from leaving their homes. "This cannot stand," he said.

Council Member Shahana Hanif, co-chair of the Progressive Caucus, referenced an incident on Canal Street and praised New Yorkers who intervened. Hanif said the council would use "our legislative strengths, litigation, and every tool in the toolbox" to defend residents, and urged neighbors not to be driven into hiding.

Council Member Tiffany Caban, co-chair of the LGBTQIA+ Caucus, criticized the federal actions as "cruel" and "violent," listing alleged abuses including detaining seniors and separating families. Caban argued sanctuary policies help public safety by encouraging immigrants to report crimes and cooperate with authorities and said, as a general claim, that sanctuary counties are safer per capita than non-sanctuary counties; she did not provide a citation during the event.

Speakers emphasized alternatives they said would improve safety, including investing in healthcare, jobs, and affordable housing rather than expanding enforcement. At the end of the remarks the council leaders took questions from the press; Speaker Adams said proactive steps should be taken to prevent further federal actions in New York.

No formal council motions, votes, or ordinances were recorded in the transcript of the event.