With days until Donald Trump’s next presidential inauguration, New Yorkers gathered Thursday to hold in-depth conversations about the incoming administration and what Trump’s policies might mean for immigrant New Yorkers.

“It’s devastating to hear about the fear that exists in the lives of literally hundreds of thousands of people,” Rev. Fred Davie said.

What You Need To Know

  • President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to make good on his campaign promise of mass deportations

  • Some New Yorkers are bracing for sweeping changes in federal immigration policies 

  • New Yorkers met Thursday to discuss ways to protect the immigrant community

At Union Theological Seminary, dozens of faith leaders from across the boroughs gathered to strategize, discussing ways to inform the newest New Yorkers of their rights. Some even established encrypted group chats to discuss plans of action in the event of mass deportations.

Also Thursday, the City Council’s Committee on Immigration held an oversight hearing. The committee wanted to know if the Adams administration is prepared to protect immigrant communities.

New York City’s Commissioner for Immigrant Affairs, Manuel Castro, said during the hearing “while we cannot control or improperly impede the actions of federal government, we can and will continue to do everything we can to educate and inform our residents about their rights under local and federal law, and about the services available to them.”