On Sunday, April 14th, one day before Tax Day, a groundswell of voices rose in unison, echoing the sentiment that has become a rallying cry for many: “New Yorkers Come First.”
A huge rally of hundreds of fed-up citizens gathered with their American flags, Back the Blue banners and signs at Kimball Street and Avenue U. They marched down Avenue U to Kings Plaza for a loud but peaceful protest – against open borders, migrant tent cities, lawlessness and waste of taxpayers’ money. Folks from Mill Basin, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Georgetown, Canarsie, Bensonhurst, Sheepshead Bay, Sunset Park and as far as Staten Island were there to show their support.
At the heart of the rally stood Kings Plaza Mall, a symbol of community and commerce, but on that day, it became a platform for something more profound—a declaration of solidarity and defiance against what many perceive as the erosion of their neighborhoods and values. Many civic associations, residents, elected officials and those running for office were in attendance, uniting together under the banner of the Coalition for Better Communities, chaired by Ron Canterino and Bren Lee, united in their demand for change.
With Curtis Sliwa, the indomitable leader of the Guardian Angels, WABC radio host, Canarsie-born crimefighter, and self-proclaimed Mayor-in-Exile, taking the stage, the rally pulsed with energy and purpose. Against a backdrop of swirling controversy over immigration policies, Sliwa and other speakers rallied the crowd with fervent calls to action.
Describing the current situation as an attempt to dismantle the city, the explosion of migrants continues to cause chaos, Sliwa said, citing that recently 300 arrivals came through Penn Station and were processed at the Roosevelt Hotel. He asked the audience, “Where do you think they are going to end up?” He warned, “Right here in Floyd Bennett Field (FBF).” He suggested that FBF, currently housing thousands of migrants, has ample room for more tents on “Runway 19,” potentially setting up infrastructure for more incoming.
Sliwa also noted a huge uptick in package theft from people’s front doors, due to what he says has migrants becoming porch pirates, where even Mayor Adams recently admitted to “almost 90,000 packages being reported stolen or lost every day in this city.”
Assemblywoman Jaime Williams, a stalwart advocate for the 59th Assembly District, where migrant crime and panhandling has gotten out of control, gave a clear message: “Joe Biden, you need to do better,” leading the chant to “Close the border!” As the representative of an area grappling with the fallout of unchecked migration, Williams spoke from the heart, urging leaders to prioritize the needs of their constituents.
But the rally wasn’t just about rhetoric; it was a testament to the diverse tapestry of voices that make up Brooklyn’s rich fabric. Democrats, Republicans and Independents stood shoulder to shoulder, coming together, setting aside political differences to confront a common challenge, to rail against what they call the failed policies of the federal, state and local government.
Assemblyman Michael Novakhov, himself an immigrant, spoke of his disbelief at the transformation unfolding before his eyes. He recalled how he, among countless other legal immigrants, were questioned, vetted and checked for health issues, contrasting what’s going on now, which he called ridiculous. From Sheepshead Bay to the halls of power in Albany, Novakhov vowed to continue to fight for change and reclaim the promise of the American Dream for all who seek it.
Perhaps most poignant were the words of Tom Sullivan, a U.S. Army Reserve veteran and candidate for public office, and whose family owns the iconic Brennan and Carr in Marine Park. With a steely gaze and unwavering resolve, Sullivan issued a challenge to city and state leaders to “end the sanctuary city. Close the border.”
As the sun dipped behind the clouds, whipping up winds and some rain, casting long shadows over Kings Plaza, the rally reached its crescendo. Amid cheers and applause, speakers warned of the looming specter of mass migration, painting a stark picture of a city besieged by chaos and lawlessness.As the rally drew to a close, a sense of unity and purpose hung in the air, with the sun returning for the finale — a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the spirit of community endures. From Kings Plaza to the corridors of power, the voices of Brooklyn’s citizens will not be silenced. This rally served as a purpose to put residents back on track for continued and regular gatherings in other areas around New York City, using their collective strength to shape the future of their beloved borough—and beyond.
WAY TO GO BROOKLYN!!