Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Occupation and banner drop at globe sculpture outside Trump International Hotel and Tower

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New York, NY - On the morning of Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, January 30, 2018; a group of activist women climbed inside globe outside Trump International Hotel and Tower at Columbus Circle in New York City, for an occupation and banner drop demanding and end to deportation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) denouncing Donald Trump’s immigration policies endangering lives and tearing families apart. The banner read: "Love No Border – Stop the Deportations". They were joined by Reverend Billy and other members of their activist church. 

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Three women activists were arrested after climbing into the giant metal globe in Columbus Circle and hanging an anti-deportation banner,. The banner that was unfurled on the globe read "Love no border! Stop the deportations", about 15 people took part in an "unscheduled demonstration" in front of the globe sculpture.

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The protesters are affiliated with New York City-based Reverend Billy Talen and the Stop Shopping Choir, according to the group.

"We are wild anti-consumerist gospel shouters and Earth loving urban activists who have worked with communities on four continents defending community, life and imagination" the group's website reads.

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Parallel to this action, demonstrators inside Trump Tower in Fifth Avenue, were arrested after they protested the State of the Union address.

Activists, who are part of a movement called "Rise and Resist," staged a sit-in in the atrium of Trump Tower, protesting what they called the "state of disgrace."

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#Activism #arrests #CivilDisobedience #ColumbusCircle #DACA #DefendDACA #DefendTPS #DirectAction #DumpTrump #GlobeSculpture #immigration #ImpeachTrump #LoveNoBorder #NoBan #NoHumanIsIlegal #NoICEinNY #NYC #PeacefulProtest #PeacefulResistance #RefugeesWelcome #ResistTrump #ReverendBilly #SanctuaryCity #StopDeportations #StopICEraids #StopShoppingChoir #TrumpInternationalHotel #TrumpTower #StateOfDisgrace #RiseAndResist 

© Erik McGregor - erikrivas@hotmail.com - 917-225-8963

Monday, January 29, 2018

Federal Judge orders release of Ravi Ragbir, immigration activist awaiting deportation

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New York, NY - On January 29, 2018; a federal judge in New York City ordered the immediate release of a prominent immigration activist Ravi Ragbir, executive director of the New Sanctuary Coalition of New York City, saying his detention was "unnecessarily cruel." The New Sanctuary Coalition together with faith leaders, immigration activists, and community members organized a "Jericho Walk" outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices and immigration courts at 26 Federal Plaza, marching in silence and prayer in solidarity with Jean Montrevil, Ravi Ragbir and all immigrants who are facing deportation.

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The Associated Press - NEW YORK:

A federal judge in New York City has ordered the immediate release of a prominent immigration activist, saying his detention was "unnecessarily cruel."

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Applause broke out in a packed Manhattan courtroom Monday after Judge Katherine Forrest announced that Ravi Ragbir must be released.

The citizen of Trinidad has been fighting deportation after a fraud conviction.

Forrest read aloud a written ruling saying that Ragbir and those like him across the country ought to have "the freedom to say goodbye" when they are not a threat to flee or a danger to the community.

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Lawyers for Ragbir contended Ragbir was targeted by a biased government official upset after witnessing Ragbir's organization and Ragbir himself protesting outside his office.

A government lawyer said there was no evidence to support that.

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#Activism #DefendTPS #demonstration #DeportICE #DirectAction #DumpTrump #HereToStay #humanrights #ICEfreeNY #ICEout #immigration #Interfaith #IStandWithRavi #IStandWithJean #JeanMontrevil #JerichoWalk #NewSanctuaryCoalition #NewYorkCity #NewYorkers #NoBan #NoRaids #NoHumanIsIlegal #NoICEinNY #Not1More #NoWall #NYC #OurNY #PeacefulResistance #RaviRagbir #RefugeesWelcome #ResistTrump #SanctuaryCity #SaveTPS #‎Solidarity #StopDeportations #StopICEraids #TakenFromUs #FoleySquare 

© Erik McGregor - erikrivas@hotmail.com - 917-225-8963

Monday, January 22, 2018

“Built on Bribes” NY groups rally against corruption at Cuomo’s former top staffer Joseph Percoco trial

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New York, NY - As Governor Cuomo’s former top staffer, Joseph Percoco, goes to trial on corruption charges, several environmental, social justice, housing rights, and community, groups rallied on January 22, 2018; outside the Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse against the entrenched pay-to-play corruption that dictates public policy in Albany.

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Percoco is charged with receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars from Competitive Power Ventures through co-defendant and former company executive, Peter Galbraith Kelly in order to facilitate approvals for the  massive CPV gas power plant, which fired-up for the first time just days ago. He is also charged with accepting bribes from real estate developer, Cor Development.

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The CPV Valley power plant, located in Orange County, would burn fracked gas, pollute the air and significantly accelerate climate change.  Scientists say it would increase the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by “in excess of ten percent”. The Cuomo Administration granted the massive gas plant the permits it needs for construction, now underway, despite the bribery indictments, widespread community opposition, and its glaring inconsistency with his climate change goals.  Protesters called on Cuomo to immediately shut down the plant and to stop catering to real estate industry.

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Pramilla Malick, Chair of Protect Orange County, a community group which has been fighting the power plant project for several years, exclaimed, “this is the real reason we have a climate crisis. While methane and CO2 may be the bullets the gun is corruption.”  Malick, and her group had publicly stated that backdoor influence was driving the projects approvals several years before the indictments were announced.

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Kim Fraczek, the director of Sane Energy Project, a statewide environmental group, has been sounding the bell on fracked gas infrastructure since 2011. “Governor Cuomo has continues to express that he is a climate leader, and creates programs for all New Yorkers to access renewable energy, yet, we continue to see a failure in genuine climate action and working programs to a transition of justice to renewable energy. We continue to see our state be a conduit and service center to the fracking industry and some of the dirtiest investors on Wall St. The corruption case of Joseph Percoco and Peter Kelly is exactly the kind of action we continue to see from this administration. New Yorkers across this state demand accountable governance and stewardship of our planet, and to immediately halt the CPV Power Plant.”

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Food and Water Watch, a national environmental group, also spoke out against the corruption. FWW Organizer Laura Shindell said, “It’s no surprise that the CPV fracked gas power plant was built on bribes. Its construction flies in the face of Governor Cuomo’s own climate goals, and would poison the surrounding community. As former Cuomo aid Joe Percoco stands trial for taking bribes from CPV, Cuomo must recognize the imperative to revoke the power plant’s permits that were issued under dubious circumstances. Cuomo needs to send a clear message: the fossil fuel industry cannot buy political favors in New York State and get away with it. Cuomo is complicit with this corruption if he does not pull the plug on the CPV power plant which was built on bribes.”

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Residents of Orange County reported that the plant fired up for the first time just days ago which they saw as a statement from the company on the eve of this trial. Plumes engulfed the City of Middletown and were seen as far away as Newburgh 15-20 miles from the plant site. “It’s important to remember that this is not a victimless crime” said Malick, “the residents of Orange County along with anyone impacted by climate change is a victim.”

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#Activism #Albany #AndrewCuomo #bribery #BuiltOnBribes #ClimateChange #climatejustice #CompetitivePowerVenture #CorDevelopment #corruption #courthouse #CPVValley #FossilFree #FrackedGas #GovernorCuomo #JosephPercoco #MakeREVreal #Methane #NewYork #NoCPV #NYC #OrangeCounty #PeacefulResistance #PeoplesClimate #PowerPlant #ProtectOrangeCounty #scandal #StopCPV #TopStaffer #trial 

© Erik McGregor - erikrivas@hotmail.com - 917-225-8963

Saturday, January 20, 2018

More than 120,000 people joined the Women’s March on NYC

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New York, NY - On January 20, 2018; New York City raised its voice again to demand equality for all humans at the 2018 Women’s March in NYC. Over a hundred thousand New Yorkers took the streets on Central Park West from Columbus Circle to 86 Street to send a message to the Trump administration – "We won’t stop until all individuals are treated equally NOW!". 

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Organizers of the 2018 Women’s March underscored the diverse issues troubling their supporters, voicing displeasure with the Republican administration's policies on abortion, immigration, LGBTQ community, the environment and more.

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Over the past year, basic rights for women, immigrants, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, the religious and nonreligious, people of color and even Mother Earth have struggled to survive under the weight of the current administration. America’s First Amendment has been challenged and healthcare for millions has been threatened. We must stand together to demand and defend our rights. Let your voice echo from the streets of New York City to the capital city. Show the world that red, white and blue are colors of tolerance.

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More than 120,000 people joined the Women’s March on NYC, mayoral adviser Andrea Hagelgans, tweeted. 

The protest, which started in front of the Trump International Hotel & Tower by Central Park, was among more than 200 such actions planned for the weekend around the world.

People participating in rallies and marches in the U.S. and around the world Saturday denounced Trump’s views on immigration, abortion, LGBT rights, women’s rights and more.

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#Activism #ColumbusCircle #DumpTrump #GOPHandsOffMe #humanrights #MeToo #NewYorkCity #NewYorkers #NoMeansNo #NotMyPresident #NYC #PeacefulProtest #PeacefulResistance #PowerToThePolls, #pussygrabsback #rally #ResistTrump #RiseAndResist #SexualHarassment #SexualMisconduct #SexualPredator #ShitholePresident #SilenceBreakers #‎Solidarity #TakeRapeSeriously #ThisStopsNow #TimesUp #TrumpFailsWomen #WMNYC #WomenRights #womenrisingup #WomensMarch #WomensMarchNYC 

© Erik McGregor - erikrivas@hotmail.com - 917-225-8963

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Jericho Walk at 26 Federal Plaza to demand the return of Jean Montrevil, and the release of Ravi Ragbir

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New York, NY - The New Sanctuary Coalition together with faith leaders, immigration activists, and community members organized a Jericho Walk at 26 Federal Plaza, on January 18, 2018; to demand the return of recently deported founder of New Sanctuary Coalition, Jean Montrevil, and the release of the New Sanctuary Coalition executive director, Ravi Ragbir. 

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The Jericho Walk is a march in silence and prayer in solidarity with Jean Montrevil, Ravi Ragbir and all immigrants who are facing deportation.

26 Federal Plaza houses the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices and immigration courts. It is a site of extreme trauma for immigrant communities. Our brothers and sisters come into this building with a real fear that they can be picked up and taken away from their families at any time. During the march, we walk in prayerful silence and pause at the front of the building where we raise our hands in prayer.

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Jean Montrevil, a founder of New Sanctuary Coalition, was hurriedly, secretly and wrongfully deported by ICE to Haiti, we learned Tuesday morning. At the same time, Ravi Ragbir, the executive director, remains in detention and facing deportation.

Ravi Ragbir led the New Sanctuary Coalition Jericho Walk *every* Thursday. Ravi can't be here this week so we need hundreds of people to take his place! We need to show that we are multiplying!

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#Activism #DefendTPS #demonstration #DeportICE #DirectAction #DumpTrump #HereToStay #humanrights #ICEfreeNY #ICEout #immigration #Interfaith #IStandWithRavi #IStandWithJean #JeanMontrevil #JerichoWalk #NewSanctuaryCoalition #NewYorkCity #NewYorkers #NoBan #NoRaids #NoHumanIsIlegal #NoICEinNY #Not1More #NoWall #NYC #OurNY #PeacefulResistance #RaviRagbir #RefugeesWelcome #ResistTrump #SanctuaryCity #SaveTPS #‎Solidarity #StopDeportations #StopICEraids #TakenFromUs #FoleySquare 

© Erik McGregor - erikrivas@hotmail.com - 917-225-8963

Monday, January 15, 2018

MLK Solidarity Day for Immigrant Rights - Jericho Walk

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New York, NY - In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., faith leaders, and immigration and legal advocates came together to condemn the institutional oppression of marginalized communities and hold a "Jericho Walk" in Washington Square Park on January 15, 2018; around Ai Wei Wei's “Arch” migration sculpture, to call for the immediate release of immigrant rights leaders, Ravi Ragbir, Executive Director of New Sanctuary Coalition of New York City, and Co-Founder Jean Montrevil. 

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Ravi Ragbir was detained on January 11, while reporting to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for a routine check-in. Mr. Ragbir’s detention comes just one week after ICE detained Jean Montrevil, another immigrant rights leader.

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A press conference was held following the vigil to call for Mr. Montrevil and Mr. Ragbir’s release, and to honor the 18 people who were arrested putting their bodies on the line in the tradition of peaceful civil disobedience in defense of Mr. Ragbir.

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In the face of Trump’s unprecedented assault on immigrant communities and blatant racism, the fight for the rights and dignity of immigrants is more important than ever. Trump’s recent disparaging remarks about immigrants from Caribbean, Central American, and African countries highlight the critical need for continued resistance and unity.

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#Activism #DefendTPS #demonstration #DeportICE #DirectAction #DumpTrump #FoleySquare #HereToStay #humanrights #ICEfreeNY #ICEout #immigration #Interfaith #IStandWithRavi #JeanMontrevil #JerichoWalk #NewSanctuaryCoalition #NewYorkCity #NewYorkers #NoBan #NoRaids #NoHumanIsIlegal #NoICEinNY #Not1More #NoWall #NYC #OurNY #PeacefulResistance #RaviRagbir #RefugeesWelcome #ResistTrump #SanctuaryCity #SaveTPS #‎Solidarity #StopDeportations #StopICEraids #TakenFromUs #WashingtonSquare 

© Erik McGregor - erikrivas@hotmail.com - 917-225-8963
Community-Labor Coalition to Rally on MLK Day Against Trump’s hateful and racist remarks; condemning statements about on Haitian, and African immigrants

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New York, NY – On January 15, 2018; the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., community and labor advocates organized a Rally Against Racism in Times Square Thousands of New Yorkers took to the streets standing up for immigrants from Haiti, throughout Africa, El Salvador, and other nations that have become targets of Trump’s racist comments and bigotry.

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President Trump’s recent comments on immigrants from Haiti and Africa are racist, divisive, and completely unbefitting of a person leading a nation that owes so much to the contributions of immigrants from all over the world. On Monday, New Yorkers will commemorate the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by joining together in solidarity for their immigrant sisters and brothers, showing the progress being made to help achieve Dr. King’s dream.

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The coalition include groups such as: 1199SEIU, the Haitian Round Table, National Action Network, Women’s March, New York State Nurses Association, District Council 37 AFSCME, 32BJ SEIU, American Federation of Teachers, United Federation of Teachers, New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, RWDSU, New York Immigration Coalition, Haitian-American Business Network, Yemeni American Merchants Association, United African Congress, Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights, National Alliance for Advancement of Haitian Professionals, Association of Haitian and American Engineers, HEALHaiti, Arab American Association of New York, Black Alliance for Just Immigration, Center for Popular Democracy, Make the Road New York, Immigration Equality, LIFE Camp,Inc., MPower, Desis Rising Up & Moving, Adhikaar, Haiti Cultural Exchange, Haitian American Lawyers Association, and the Working Families Party.

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A group of elected officials including NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, NYC Comptroller Scott M. Stringer, New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Congressmembers Nydia Velazquez, Yvette Clarke, and Jerrold Nadler, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson, NYC Councilmembers Mathieu Eugene, Carlina Rivera, Jumaane Williams, and Assemblymembers Rodnyese Biochette, Tremaine Wright, Michaelle Solages , Nick Perry, Marita Davila, Michael Blake, Brian Benjamin, Clyde Vanel, Jamie Williams, Al Taylor, and Spring Valley Village Board of Trustee Edison Tyson Francois are also scheduled to attend.

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#Activism #CleanDreamAct #DefendDACA #DefendTPS #DeportICE #DreamAct #dreamers #DumpTrump #Haiti #HereToStay #ICEfreeNY #ImmigrantNY #immigration #ImpeachTrump #MartinLutherKingJr #MLK #MLKday #Ni1Mas #NoBan #NoHumanIsIlegal #Not1More #NYC #RallyAgainstRacism #RefugeesWelcome #ResistTrump #SanctuaryCity #SaveTPS #SinDACASinMiedo #StopDeportations #StopICEraids #TakenFromUs 

© Erik McGregor - erikrivas@hotmail.com - 917-225-8963

Thursday, January 11, 2018

New Yorkers held emergency rally in support of Ravi Ragbir, Executive Director of New Sanctuary Coalition of New York City detained at immigration check-in

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New York, NY - Nationally recognized immigrant rights leader Ravi Ragbir was detained while reporting to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for a routine check-in on January 11, 2018. Hundreds are gathered outside the federal immigration building at 26 Federal Plaza in downtown New York City to show solidarity with all those affected by the deportation machine, including Ragbir. 

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When ICE detained him and to stop his deportation, faith leaders, city council people, friends and allies surrounded the ambulance he was taken away in peacefully blocking its departure as it tried to exit the building. NYPD and Homeland Security Police then got very aggressive and started punching people, knocking them to the ground. For 30 minutes people were knocked down, and thrown aside, but then picked themselves back up and put themselves back in front of the truck. After nearly running people over numerous times the police finally broke through the lines and sped off. Over 15 people were reported arrested.

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Mr. Ragbir is the Executive Director of the New Sanctuary Coalition of New York City, a faith-based coalition devoted to immigrant rights. Ragbir is a fixture in the immigrant rights movement, and was awarded the 2017 Immigrant Excellence Award by the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, given to those who show “deep commitment to the enhancement of their community.”  

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New Sanctuary Coalition Co-Chair Rev. Kaji Dousa, Senior Pastor of Park Avenue Christian Church, stated that “Ravi Ragbir means everything to this city. A longtime New Yorker, a husband and a father, Ravi is beloved by all of us who have had the privilege of working with him to make New York a welcoming community for all of its residents. The fact that ICE has taken him as if his spirit, family ties, and contributions to the community mean nothing is inhumane.”

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Mr. Ragbir has lived with the threat of deportation for nearly a decade, as the result of a 16-year old conviction for wire fraud. He was placed into removal proceedings in 2006 and spent twenty-two months in immigration detention before being released in February 2008. During immigration detention and since his release, Ragbir has devoted his life to the lives of immigrants, working tirelessly to end the use of immigration detention, stop deportations, and secure relief for countless individuals. Previously, ICE officials had granted Ragbir prosecutorial discretion, including a stay of removal that was in effect until next week.

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Mr. Ragbir’s detention comes just days after Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Jean Montrevil, another immigrant rights leader who was one of the founding members of the New Sanctuary Coalition and who, like Ravi, had been permitted to live with his family in the U.S. pending his legal challenges to his case. “The detention of both Ravi and Jean is an affront to faith-based communities everywhere,” stated Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer, Executive Director of the Interfaith Coalition of New York City. “People who are willing to speak out against the injustices of the immigration system should not be targeted for deportation. No one should be treated this way.”

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Leading immigrant and civil rights organizations and event co-sponsors American Friends Service Committee, Brooklyn Defender Services, Center for Constitutional Rights, Detention Watch Network, Immigrant Defense Project, LatinoJustice, Make the Road New York, MinKwon Center for Community Action, National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Project, New York Civil Liberties Union, the New York Immigration Coalition, Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights, UnLocal, Inc. rallied outside 26 Federal Plaza, where Ragbir was detained. The event was also attended by City Council Members Brad Lander, Carlos Menchaca, Ydanis Rodriguez and Jumaane Williams, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, and State Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon, in addition to hundreds of community members and faith leaders.

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Community members held rallies throughout the day at Foley Square and ICE Headquarters in Lower Manhattan to call for Mr. Ragbir’s immediate release. 

#Activism #arrests #CivilDisobedience #CivilUnrest #DefendTPS #demonstration #DeportICE #DirectAction #DumpTrump #FoleySquare #HereToStay #humanrights #ICEfreeNY #ICEout #immigration #Interfaith #IStandWithRavi #JerichoWalk #NewSanctuaryCoalition #NewYorkCity #NewYorkers #NoBan #NoRaids #NoHumanIsIlegal #NoICEinNY #Not1More #NoWall #NYC #OurNY #PeacefulResistance #RaviRagbir #RefugeesWelcome #ResistTrump #SanctuaryCity #SaveTPS #‎Solidarity #StopDeportations #StopICEraids #TakenFromUs 

© Erik McGregor - erikrivas@hotmail.com - 917-225-8963