New York City Says Hands Off!

NEW YORK, NY (10/08/2025) (readMedia)-- Over 100 groups representing 100s of 1000s of New Yorkers announce effort to protect NYC, and stand in solidarity with cities being targeted by the Trump administration

NYC, New York. - On Thursday, October 9th the Hands Off NYC campaign will launch a website, release a solidarity statement and hold a press event. The effort is supported by the largest of NYC's labor unions, community organizations and activist groups, along with leading civil rights organizations like New York Civil Liberties Union and NAACP.

The campaign is launching in response to President Trump's repeated threats to New York City and cities across the country, including his most recent remarks at Quantico where he said we should use American cities as "training grounds" for the military.

WHAT: 10AM: Press conference

WHEN: Thursday, October 9th @ 10AM

WHERE: City Hall Park

SPEAKERS:

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams

Comptroller Brad Lander

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams Unconfirmed

L Joy Williams, NAACP New York State Conference

Donna Lieberman, New York Civil Liberties Union (NYLCU)

Murad AwawdehNew York Immigration Coalition (NYIC)

Sonia Perez, Make the Road NY

Yvonne Armstrong, 1199SEIU

Susan Lerner, Common Cause NY

James Davis, Professional Staff Congress

Hands Off NYC Solidarity Statement:

"American cities are under attack by the Trump administration. Instead of investing in schools, hospitals, and public services, taxpayer dollars are being spent to send National Guard troops and ICE agents into our communities - ripping families apart and targeting working people. New York City has been directly threatened.

We are a coalition of unions, faith leaders, and community groups, standing together in nonviolent resistance. Just as people in cities across the country have stood up to these attacks, we will too.

The Trump administration claims this is about "crime," but the crime rates in each of the targeted cities have been going down, not up. What they do share is strong, multi-racial, union power - and city leadership that refuses to bow down. This is not about safety. It's about punishing communities that fight back. We stand in solidarity with all cities that have already faced military intervention.

We believe tax dollars should strengthen schools, hospitals, and safe neighborhoods - not build detention centers and tear families apart. Occupying our cities is not "law and order," it's an assault on our rights and values, including our First Amendment rights to Freedom of the press, to free speech, and to peaceably assemble.

We pledge to organize together, build local power, and stand in solidarity with every city facing military intervention. Our cities and our people are our greatest strength.

Hands Off New York City."

Signed,

1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East

32BJ SEIU

50501 NYC

Communications Workers of America, District 1

Common Cause NY

DC37

District Council 9 Painters & Allied Trades

Federal Unionist Network

Indivisible

Make the Road NY

New York Civil Liberties Union

New York Immigration Coalition

New York State Nurses Association

New York Working Families Party

Professional Staff Congress/CUNY

Strong Economy For All

Teamsters Local 804

UAW Region 9A

United Federation of Teachers

VOCAL-NY