Mayor Adams, Trump slammed at Brooklyn rally to reinstate TPS for Haitians

By Asar John
BROOKLYN — At a recent rally in Little Haiti, dozens of politicians, immigrant advocates and supporters of the Haitian community called for representatives in Washington, D.C. to join them in calling for the reinstatement of temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants. Some briefly lambasted Mayor Eric Adams, while criticizing the Trump administration for cutting short the legal status of more than a half-million Haitians in the United States. 

“Many Haitian TPS holders came to the U.S. legally, they follow the rules they pay taxes,” said  Harry D’Janite, known as “DJ ‘Hard Hittin’ Harry,” who served as the rally’s MC, in kicking off the rally held on the steps of St. Jerome Roman Catholic Church Mar. 14.

“There’s no stable [Haitian] government to protect them,” said the disc jockey, who immigrated to the U.S. with his parents at age 3. “Sending people back now is cruel and irresponsible.”

Adams and Trump lambasted 

New York City Council members Farah Louis (District 45) and Mercedes Narcisse (District 46), both of Haitian descent, were among several elected officials in attendance.

Narcisse condemned the reversal of TPS as a “grave mistake,” while Louis strongly criticized President Donald Trump.

“This is going to be a hard fight for us – to ask for a reversal, from an idiot with a pen who thinks he can do whatever he wants,” said Louis. “There’s no governance right now in the White House.” 

New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, during his turn at the podium, criticized Mayor Eric Adams — not for his widely scrutinized immigration discussions with President Donald Trump—but for his absence at Friday’s rally.

“The mayor should be cheerleader number one,” said Williams, adding that it’s paramount to reassure immigrant communities that they can be protected. 

Several members of the crowd began calling the mayor a “sellout,” following Williams’ remarks. 

Wye Knight, an immigrant from Barbados, said he agrees. He said it was important for him to be present and throw his support toward saving TPS for Haitians. 

“That is disgraceful and disrespectful for him [Adams] to not show up and support the Haitian community,” Knight said. 

“You never know who’s next,” he added. “Send a message to the president – don’t touch Haitians – don’t touch nobody. We work hard and we deserve to be here.”

A spokesperson for the mayor’s office pushed back on Williams’ remarks, emphasizing Adams’ efforts to secure protections for migrants. 

“I’m not sure what the PA is talking about,” the mayor’s spokesperson told The Haitian Times, referring to the Public Advocate. “Mayor Adams has been calling for – and his advocacy has successfully achieved getting [sic] – the federal government to provide TPS and work authorization for migrants since the start of the crisis.” 

The spokesperson also pointed to a past rally where Williams and Adams stood together in support of migrant rights.

“He literally hosted a ‘Let Them Work’ rally, which Jumaane spoke at while standing right next to the mayor,” the spokesperson said.

Local officials’ approach left wanting  

Despite sharing in the calls for reinstatement and supportive chants, some at the rally felt they were not satisfied with the politicians’ approach, which to them seems limited to speeches.

Kenny Altidor, a longtime Brooklyn activist and painter who is challenging Narcisse in the 46th District, expressed frustration with local leadership.

“This is just straight-up politics,” Altidor, an immigrant himself, said. “At the end of the day, nothing has been done in terms of something tangible.”

Altidor said a better way to help immigrants is by creating educational centers for people to learn English, develop trade and computer skills, and provide legal services.

“The [Trump] administration already has the upper hand,” Altidor said. “When you create stuff for people, that’s how I know you’re for real. Right now, it’s just a movie for them.” 

Others at the rally, including Wilsmitson Mathurin Angelo, focused on the broader significance of TPS.

“Everybody is an immigrant—it’s a step back [revoking TPS], and it’s important that people have the status,” said Angelo. 

Other elected officials present included New York State Senator Zellnor Myrie, also a mayoral candidate, City Councilmember Rita Joseph (District 40), and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. 

Absent was Council Member Chi Ossé, who had been featured on the rally’s promotional flyer. His office did not respond to The Haitian Times’ request for comment. 

The post Mayor Adams, Trump slammed at Brooklyn rally to reinstate TPS for Haitians appeared first on The Haitian Times.