Dear John,

As ICE threatens our neighbors, we’re stepping up—both locally and in City Hall.

In District 39, our team partnered with Council Members Restler and Avilés for our second Immigration Know Your Rights Canvass yesterday. We spoke with local workers and employers about how to stay prepared and respond safely in the face of potential ICE actions.

We’re deeply grateful to the community organizations who helped recruit more than 100 volunteers and anchored these canvasses. Special thanks to AYSAB, Brooklyn Resisters, Carroll Gardens Association, Hand in Hand, Indivisible BK, Kolot Chayeinu, and the Refugee Task Force of Congregation Beth Elohim.

Upcoming City Council Hearing on Enforcing Our Sanctuary City Laws

Citywide, we can stop ICE’s cruelty by ensuring our sanctuary city laws are actually followed. While it is illegal for City agencies to share data with ICE, this information-sharing continues—and the consequences for families are devastating.

One mother, who traveled thousands of miles seeking safety with her children, asked shelter staff for help supporting her kids through their trauma. Instead, staff from the Administration for Children's Services illegally shared her information with ICE, leading to her month-long detention and separation from her children.

This is why I authored the NYC TRUST Act—to finally enforce our sanctuary city laws by allowing individuals to sue when their rights are violated. Right now, there is no mechanism to hold City agencies accountable when they break the law.

On December 8th at 10:00 AM, the City Council’s Committee on Immigration will hold a hearing on the TRUST Act. Your voice is essential. Please testify in support so we can get this bill passed. Fill out this form to submit written testimony, or sign up to testify at the hearing (remotely or in-person).

District Office Legal Consultation Hours

Back in the 39th District, we’ve launched monthly legal consultation office hours at our District Office in partnership with CUNY School of Law. Expert immigration and housing attorneys are available to provide free, reliable, and confidential legal guidance.

During office hours, you can meet one-on-one with a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney who can help you understand your legal issue, offer information and resources, and connect you with quality referrals for next steps.

• Immigration Attorney: Tuesday, November 25th

• Housing Attorney: Wednesday, December 10th

Services are by appointment only. To schedule email [email protected] or call at (718) 499-1090. Please note that this program provides legal advice but not legal representation.

Land Use Community Meetings

On Monday, November 17th at 6:30 PM at Cabrini Hall, Sacred Hearts Church (125 Summit Street, entrance on Hicks Street) our office is co-hosting a Community Forum on the  Brooklyn Marine Terminal (BMT) redevelopment with Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon, Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes, and Council Member Alexa Avilés. Join us to share your input on the project and learn how to participate in the next phase of the NYC Economic Development Corporation’s (EDC) process. Register using this form.

Both projects need strong community presence. My colleagues and I will not rubber-stamp any proposal; we are committed to a transparent process and to ensuring community voices meaningfully shape these developments. Community priorities are what set the foundation for strong projects. While every project comes with real constraints, your push for better outcomes is both valid and essential. We are committed to working in solidarity with you to make sure these priorities are not only heard, but reflected in what moves forward.

• Christmas Tree Lighting: Join us on Saturday, November 29th at 4:30 PM at 5th Avenue and 4th Street for the festive tree lighting!

In solidarity,

Council Member Shahana