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PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Leidis De La Rosa, Organizing Coordinator at La Colmena

4:06:18

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98 sec

Leidis De La Rosa, Organizing Coordinator at La Colmena, testified about the organization's work supporting immigrant communities on Staten Island and the challenges they face. She emphasized the need for continued support from the City Council to protect immigrant rights and provide essential services.

La Colmena provides education, culture, organizing, and economic development support for immigrant workers on Staten Island
The organization is preparing for potential increased ICE enforcement and mass deportations under a new Trump administration
De La Rosa highlighted issues such as wage theft, discrimination, and harassment faced by immigrants, as well as opposition to La Colmena's work
She called for partnership and commitment from the City Council to continue their mission of fighting for justice and dignity for all immigrants

Leidis De La Rosa

4:06:18

Good afternoon, chairwoman and council members.

4:06:20

My name is Lady The La Rosa, and I am the organizing coordinator for La Colmena, an immigrant rights organization based on Staten Island.

4:06:27

Our mission is to empower the immigrant worker through education, culture, organizing, and economic development.

4:06:33

For years, La Cormena has stood unapologetically with our immigrant community, often facing hostility and resistance.

4:06:40

Yet, we remain steadfast because we know how critical this work is.

4:06:44

We've built a sanctuary of support, resilience, and empowerment, but we cannot do it alone.

4:06:49

Today, I am here to remind you of the vital importance of insurance that La Colmena continues to receive the unwavering support that it needs from this council now more than ever.

4:06:59

We are already equipping our community members with tools to navigate ICE interactions and preparing for potential mass deportations.

4:07:07

But this is just the tip of the iceberg.

4:07:09

Our immigrant neighbors face not only the threat of deportation but also wage theft, discrimination, and harassment.

4:07:15

We've even have to ramp up security at our own facilities as we face opposition from those who disagree with the work we do.

4:07:23

It is not easy to operate under these conditions, but we refuse to back down.

4:07:27

Our work is too important, and our community is too valuable.

4:07:31

La Colmena exists to remind immigrants on Staten Island that they are not alone.

4:07:35

We are here to fight for them, stand with them, and uplift them.

4:07:39

But to continue this critical commission, we need your partnership and your commitment.

4:07:43

Thank you for your time, your support, and for standing with us as we continue this fight for justice and dignity for all.

4:07:50

Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive Staten Island and a stronger and more inclusive New York.

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Testimony by Deborah Lee, Attorney in Charge of Immigration Law Unit at Legal Aid Society

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Testimony by Ellen Pachnanda, Director of Immigration Practice at Brooklyn Defender Services