Our City Our Sanctuary: Digital Resource Hub – Office of the Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso

Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe, welcome, and valued

For centuries, New York City has welcomed immigrants from around the globe in pursuit of a better life. Immigrants have long shaped our city’s culture, economy, and history and they remain a vital part of the fabric of our city.

Now, the federal government’s mass deportation agenda is unleashing fear and chaos around the country. This reckless strategy has led to increased racial profiling, the detention of lawful residents and U.S. citizens, and the violation of our civil rights.

Every New Yorker, regardless of citizenship status, has rights and protections under the law. This digital resource hub is a one-stop-shop to learn more about your rights and equip yourself with resources to protect your neighbors.

Note: This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

REGISTER FOR UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

As part of the Our City, Our Sanctuary initiative, Borough President Reynoso is hosting Know-Your-Rights and ICE Awareness Trainings across the borough.

The first workshop was held on April 1. Check back soon to register for future workshops.

BOROUGH PRESIDENT REYNOSO’S FIGHT FOR IMMIGRANT NEW YORKERS

The son of two Dominican immigrants, Borough President Reynoso has long advocated for policies that help the newest New Yorkers thrive. As a Council Member, Antonio helped pass the 2014 Detainer Law which significantly curtail NYPD cooperation with ICE and formally prohibited ICE from operating on Rikers Island.

As Borough President, Antonio has continued his fight for immigrant New Yorkers:

Organizing elected officials, faith leaders, and advocates to mobilize against the Trump administration’s effort to end TPS for Haiti.
Backing legislation to hold ICE accountable including:
- Co-sponsored the recently passed Safer Sanctuary Act, introduced by Council Member Tiffany Cabán, to prohibit federal immigration authorities form establishing an office on any NYC Department of Correction property.
- Co-sponsoring Council Member Shahana Hanif’s NYC Trust Act which would empower impacted individuals to seek legal action when City agencies violate NYC’s sanctuary city laws.
Advocating alongside the Borough Presidents of the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens to call on state lawmakers to pass the New York for All and Access to Representation Acts.
- The New York for All Act would prohibit state and local enforcement from assisting ICE and federal immigration enforcement.
- The Access to Representation Act would a establish a right to counsel for immigrants facing deportation.
This year, Borough President Reynoso is advocating for several priorities in the New York City budget including:
- $85 million for immigration legal services
- $18 to consolidate the City’s various adult literacy programs and $20 million for a new Education for Integration and Equity Program to counter proposed federal cuts to federal adult literacy funding.
- $4 million in baselined funding for the Immigrant and Family Communications and Outreach Initiative which helps public schools better communicate with immigrant families

WHAT IS A SANCTUARY CITY?

The New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs offers helpful guidance on New York City’s Sanctuary City laws and how they protect New Yorkers.

WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS?

HOW CAN I ACCESS FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE?

You can call the City-funded, free, and safe MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365, or call 311 and say, “Immigration Legal,” to get answers to immigration policy questions and information on how and where to find City-funded, free, and safe immigration legal help.

For MOIA Legal Support Centers, click here.

For an extensive list of organizations that provide immigrant legal services, click here.

The New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP) is the country’s first and largest public defender program for detained immigrants facing deportation. The NYIFUP provides high-quality, comprehensive representation to New Yorkers in immigration detention who are unable to afford an attorney. For more information, click here.

FAMILY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE

There are many steps you can take prepare yourself and your family in the event of detention or deportation.

For guidance from the New York Immigration Coalition and the New York State Office of New Americans, click here.

Guides available in: English, Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Dari, French, Haitian Creole, Pashto, Russian, Wolof

HOW TO REPORT FEDERAL MISCONDUCT:

If you have witnessed or a victim of federal agent misconduct, you submit a complaint to the New York State Attorney General here.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM IMMIGRATION SERVICES FRAUD:

Unfortunately, immigrant New Yorkers are often vulnerable to fraudulent legal service scams commonly known as “notario fraud.” Individuals will misrepresent themselves as attorneys, providing unlawful legal advice and collecting thousands of dollars from victims.

Tips for recognizing and avoiding fraudulent services may be found at the Office of the New York State Attorney General and MOIA.

HOW TO REPORT A FRADULENT SCHEME OR CRIME AS AN IMMIGRANT:

If you or someone you know is a victim of a fraudulent scheme or crime, whether that person is an undocumented or documented immigrant, the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Immigrant Affairs Unit can help.

HOW TO REPORT HATE, DISCRIMINATION, OR BIAS:

If you suspect you are a victim of discrimination, hate, or bias, you may file a complaint with NYS Human Rights Division.