New York Metropolis Public Advocate Jumaane Williams joins native leaders on the “United with Haiti” rally in Flatbush, the place lots of gathered in help of Haitian immigrants.
Picture by Lloyd Mitchell
Native politicians, neighborhood advocates and labor unions joined Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso at a “United with Haiti” rally Aug. 27 at Hillel Plaza in Flatbush, calling on the Trump administration to grant a two-year extension of Momentary Protected Standing for Haitian immigrants.
In June, the Trump administration introduced plans to finish TPS for Haitians efficient Sept. 2, 2025. The U.S. District Courtroom in New York quickly blocked the termination, ruling it illegal and increasing deportation safety by means of Feb. 2, 2026. The Division of Homeland Safety has stated it might enchantment, leaving many TPS holders in limbo.
Haitians first obtained TPS beneath the Obama administration in 2010 after a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake. Protections utilized to Haitians within the U.S. who arrived earlier than Jan. 12, 2010, and have been prolonged a number of instances beneath each the Obama and Biden administrations.
Group leaders and elected officers be part of Haitian immigrants at Hillel Plaza in Flatbush on Aug. 27, calling on the Trump administration to protect TPS protections.Picture by Gabriele Holtermann 
Supporters collect at Hillel Plaza in Flatbush to rally for Haitian immigrants going through the attainable finish of Momentary Protected Standing.Picture by Lloyd Mitchell
Reynoso informed the gang the rally was about neighborhood, not politics.
“If we don’t acknowledge you or we didn’t put you on the paper, just know that this is bigger than politics and never recognition, is about taking care of our neighbors,” he stated. “Today, Brooklyn is coming together to show that when you come for one of us, you come for all of us. I want to be very mindful about what this event is and what it isn’t.”
Reynoso pressured the rally was not meant to “poke the bear,” however to indicate solidarity with the estimated 500,000 Haitians dwelling in america — about 150,000 of them in New York Metropolis, primarily in Brooklyn — who danger shedding non permanent standing.
Highlighting the contributions of Haitians to america, the Beep stated his administration is working with non-profits and on sources to guard the Haitian neighborhood.
“Removal of TPS is something that just should not and cannot happen, and we are here standing today to let the Haitian community of Brooklyn know that we will be working together to bring resources to any vulnerable families and anybody that needs help,” Reynoso stated. “We’re going to be working with local not-for-profits that are already doing this work to strengthen resources for all those Haitians in need.”
Group members maintain indicators throughout a “United with Haiti” rally in Flatbush on Aug. 27.Picture by Gabriele Holtermann 
Group members collect in Flatbush to help Haitian immigrants, as a court docket battle continues over whether or not TPS will stay in place previous February 2026.Picture by Gabriele Holtermann
Given the civil unrest and humanitarian disaster unfolding in Haiti, neighborhood leaders identified that deporting Haitian TPS holders wouldn’t solely endanger their lives but additionally place an “untenable burden” on the struggling nation.
On Aug. 9, the Haitian authorities imposed a three-month state of emergency as gang violence surged. The United Nations reported that gangs now management 85% of the capital metropolis Port-au-Prince. Between October 2024 and June 2025, 4,864 folks have been killed in gang violence, with lots of extra injured, kidnapped, raped or trafficked. Greater than 1.3 million folks have been displaced, and Haiti is certainly one of 5 international locations experiencing famine-like circumstances.
Pastor Samuel Nicolas urged the Trump administration to increase TPS given the unstable state of affairs.
“Haitians cannot afford to go back to Haiti now,” Nicolas stated. “What Haitians need now [is] healing.”
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso speaks on the “United with Haiti” rally, urging the Trump administration to increase TPS protections as Haiti faces political instability and humanitarian disaster.Picture by Gabriele Holtermann 
Group teams and native pols gathered for a “United with Haiti” rally in solidarity with Haitian immigrants.Picture by Gabriele Holtermann
Council Member Farah Louis, whose district consists of Flatbush, referred to as the federal court docket ruling a “significant” victory however warned that the combat is way from over.
“Let’s be clear, Trump’s TPS termination is rooted in straight racism and xenophobia,” Louis stated. “It’s not policy. This administration uses fear and scapegoating to divide us, but Brooklyn stands united. When they come for our Haitian neighbors with lies and hatred, they attack the very fabric of what makes Brooklyn strong.”
Council Member Rita Joseph, who additionally represents the world, emphasised the contributions Haitians have made to america.
“We are builders. We are caregivers, entrepreneurs, educators, [and] essential workers,” Joseph stated. “We have always given to this city and this country, and it is only right that this country honor its promise to us, to protect families from being torn apart [and] to allow people to contribute without fear of deportation.”
Council Member Farah Louis addresses the gang at Hillel Plaza in Flatbush, criticizing what she referred to as concern techniques by the Trump administration to divide communities.Picture by Gabriele Holtermann 
Council Member Chi Ossé joins elected officers and neighborhood leaders on the “United with Haiti” rally in Flatbush on Aug. 27.Picture by Lloyd Mitchell
New York Metropolis Public Advocate Jumaane Williams stated that whereas the Trump administration sought to divide, communities have been coming collectively in opposition to “demonic stuff.”
“I don’t think [Trump] understands that he’s uniting us and bringing us together in a way that he may not have expected,” Williams stated. “This is not about public safety; it never has been. This is about the erasure of people and communities. This is about demonizing immigrant communities.”
