As the incoming Trump administration vows to roll out the largest deportation efforts in the history of the United States, Connecticut is reassuring the public that our state is welcoming to immigrants.

There was a press conference Monday morning at the State Capitol with some of the top leaders in our state -- including, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong. Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling was also there.

There have been other rallies around the tri-state.

Earlier this month thousands descended on Columbus Circle to participate in the Protect Our Future Rally.

Community leaders across Connecticut have come together to develop strategies to protect one another from any action from the federal government and share resources.

The immigrant rights movement in Connecticut has been leading the way in this effort to stand strong against the coming administration's plans to separate families.

In 2019, Connecticut updated its legislation to establish new guidelines for how law enforcement works and cooperates with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Community organizations, advocacy groups, and elected officials remain committed to strengthening protections to safeguard Connecticut communities, particularly regarding family separation with possible deportations impacting the lives of children.

The message from immigrants here and across the tri-state is the same.

"We cried a little right, that was Wednesday morning but now we wipe our tears, and now it’s time to fight, to defend ourselves, we're just in defense mode," said Perla Silva, a Brooklyn resident and a part of the immigrant-led organization, Make the Road.

There are an estimated 110,000 plus undocumented immigrants in our state. Many work locally.