April 5, 2025 — BROOKLYN, NY — Today, Democratic mayoral candidate Adrienne Adams pledged to take immediate action to protect New York City’s immigrant communities and small businesses being crushed by the “Trump-Fueled Neighborhood Recession” — a sharp, fear-driven economic downturn in local communities across the city with immigrant populations sparked by the Trump administration’s mass deportation agenda. It represents another form of economic chaos created by Trump, which his recently enacted tariffs only compound by threatening to increase consumer prices.
“Fear is shutting down the economic promise of New York’s neighborhoods,” said Adrienne. “Local businesses are losing workers and customers because the Trump administration is terrorizing our communities, disregarding Constitutional rights and targeting immigrant communities regardless of their status. As mayor, I won’t stand by while New Yorkers are kidnapped and our neighborhood economies collapse.”
Assemblymember Brian Cunningham added: “In Flatbush, we’re seeing the same story: empty chairs at salons, shuttered food carts, and families too afraid to step outside. This isn’t just cruelty, it’s economic sabotage. Adrienne Adams is the only candidate with the courage to confront Trump head-on, who knows exactly how to activate city government to protect our neighborhoods.”
“As the proud daughter of Haitian immigrants and a lifelong advocate for our city’s most vulnerable, I know firsthand how critical it is to have leadership that centers and protects immigrant communities,” said Council Member Rita Joseph. “Adrienne Adams has shown us what that leadership looks like. As Speaker of the City Council, she has been a fierce and consistent voice against the threats of Trump and ICE, standing up for our families and communities when it mattered most. I know she will continue to lead with courage, compassion, and clarity ensuring that every community, especially our immigrant communities that are too often left behind, is seen, heard, and safeguarded.”
As mayor, Adrienne will deploy city attorneys to immigrant business corridors hardest hit by the “Trump Neighborhood Recession” to better protect New Yorkers from unlawful federal enforcement. These legal teams will be empowered to intervene and defend New Yorkers’ Constitutional rights — and sue — when Trump’s ICE agents overstep the law. Her administration will engage in a widespread public education campaign to ensure New Yorkers know their rights and have legal services resources if they are confronted by immigration enforcement agents.
“As the Director of Flatbush Central Market, I witness firsthand how our local merchants
and vendors drive economic development while embodying the vibrant spirit of
Flatbush,” said Marie Jo Montrose. “Many of them are immigrants—bringing with them
rich traditions, entrepreneurial grit, and a deep commitment to community. Their stories
are woven into every stall and storefront, reflecting the intersectionality of cultures,
identities, and experiences that make Flatbush so unique. When we support our small
businesses, we’re not just fueling local growth—we’re uplifting families, honoring
heritage, and strengthening the foundation of an inclusive and thriving local economy.”
Across neighborhoods like Corona, Jackson Heights, and Flatbush, immigrant-owned businesses report revenue drops of 30% to 50% as fear drives customers and workers indoors. A January report from the Immigration Research Initiative found that even a partial wave of deportations and detentions could cost New York $310 million in lost tax revenue, with a far deeper human toll.
-30-
Adrienne Adams currently serves as Speaker of the New York City Council. A woman of many firsts, Adrienne was elected in January 2022 by her colleagues as the first Black speaker and leads the most diverse and first-ever, women-majority council in New York City history. Elected to the city council in November 2017, Adrienne is also the first woman to represent District 28, which encompasses the Queens neighborhoods of Jamaica, Richmond Hill, Rochdale Village, and South Ozone Park.
For more information on the campaign, visit www.AdrienneForThePeople.com.
Contact: [email protected] • Lupe Todd-Medina - 917.202.0116
