They are preparing for a potential increase in mass deportation efforts, as well as legal challenges to established rights, including birthright citizenship. The incoming administration has even suggested the possibility of using the military for deportation efforts and declaring a national emergency to facilitate these actions.

Across Connecticut, immigrant rights advocates and their supporters have organized rallies to express their determination to oppose the incoming administration's harsh policies targeting the undocumented community. 

For twenty years in Danbury, I have been a steadfast advocate for the rights of all immigrants. I have used my platform to shed light on the struggles faced by community members forced to live in the shadows due to an administration that took a hardline approach toward undocumented residents. 

I have witnessed threats of violence against organizations that stood in solidarity with immigrant advocacy groups and have opposed draconian policies targeting undocumented immigrants in Danbury. Additionally, I have faced threats to my own life and the lives of my family from hate groups unhappy with my efforts to document their hostility. Through these experiences, I have seen firsthand the damaging effects of the anti-immigrant mentality in my community. 

In Danbury, finding elected officials who would oppose the city's anti-immigrant mentality has been a challenging endeavor. Among the twenty-one city council members, only two voted against allowing local police to partner with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the ACCESS/287(g) program. No city council member or state lawmaker questioned the actions of the Danbury Police Department in the now-infamous "Danbury 11" case. Additionally, local and state politicians remained silent when groups like the Hispanic Center and the Association of Religious Communities were targeted for their support of community members living in the shadows.

After two decades of anti-immigrant sentiment in our city, we are once again facing a wave of hostility. This situation calls for advocates and elected officials to take a stand against policies and attitudes that threaten to divide our community once again. It is disheartening that Mayor Roberto Alves and State Representative Farley Santos, both of whom grew up in Danbury as undocumented immigrants, were notably absent from the rally at Danbury City Hall. Equally troubling is that neither Alves nor Santos have made a statement supporting the undocumented community at the rally, nor have they participated in or commented on the statewide rally held at the State Capitol just days later.

Standing up against anti-immigrant attitudes should be an obvious choice. As a person of color who has faced oppression, my support for the immigrant community is unwavering and will always remain so. Advocates for the rights of all immigrants, especially those who have spent their time knocking on doors for Democratic lawmakers, should demand the same level of commitment from these elected officials who understand the hardships of living in a city that harbors individuals hostile to the undocumented immigrant community.