New Chelsea community group aims to resist ICE and federal threats

Local LGBTQ community members joined the first meeting of the new Chelsea Neighbors United, which is part of the Hands Off NYC campaign and aims to work with other groups to coordinate non-violent resistance to threats from the federal government. Organized by Ann Northrop, Trudy Rudnick, Jay W. Walker, Julie DeLaurier, Cherie Acierno and others from the neighborhood and activist community, Chelsea Neighborhood United is beginning its campaign by focusing on the threats community members face by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Speakers at the first meeting included Northrop, Walker, DeLaurier, Rev. Christine Lee, Mia Soto, and Trudy Rudnick. Below, see some photos from the first meeting, held on Dec. 15. [caption id="attachment_60657" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Audience members were surrounded by signs condemning ICE.Donna Aceto[/caption] [caption id="attachment_60658" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Jay W. Walker delivers remarks to the crowd.Donna Aceto[/caption] [caption id="attachment_60659" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Mia Soto speaks during the Chelsea Neighbors United meeting.Donna Aceto[/caption] [caption id="attachment_60660" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Thomas Duane, an out gay former elected official who served in the City Council and State Senate, looks on.Donna Aceto[/caption] [caption id="attachment_60669" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Trudy Rudnick speaks.Donna Aceto[/caption]