As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, several New York lawmakers said they will examine new immigration policies to counteract his plans to deport millions of undocumented immigrants across the country.

With 11 days until the start of Trump's second term, many Democrats in the state want the Legislature to focus on a suite of proposals to protect New York immigrants and their families. But with only two session days left until the Jan. 20 inauguration, reforms are unlikely until after Trump has returned to the White House.

"We are one whole community despite what the rhetoric wants to do and say and despite the fact they want to separate us," said Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes, a Brooklyn Democrat who is the first indigenous Peruvian to serve in the chamber.

Several lawmakers stood together on the Legislature's first day of session to push for stronger immigration protections in the state in preparation for the next federal administration. They expressed fear of Trump's agenda, but that they're ready for an immigration battle during his next term and promise to deport millions of immigrants — especially those with criminal records. 

One proposal would block state and local agencies from help with deportations a bill prohibiting state and local agencies from assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with deportations.

"It is in the interest of public safety of keeping families together and making our state a true sanctuary state in a moment that is very scary for many of our [immigrant] families and neighbors," said Sen. Julia Salazar, who chairs the Crime Victims, Crime & Correction Committee.

Salazar, a Brooklyn Democrat, sponsors a bill to end ICE contracts with local jails. 

Many Democrats are pushing for policy changes to keep families together, like creating a right to counsel in state immigration courts for people at risk of deportation. Most proposals from progressives date back to Trump's first term. 

"We are cognizant that those who commit crimes should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, but the vast majority of immigrants who are here are individuals who are contributing to our economy who are doing the hard labor most Americans don't want to do," said Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, who chairs the state's Black, Hispanic, Puerto Rican & Asian Legislative Caucus. "So we should respect that work and provide protections for them."

Solages carries a bill to make the process more transparent when a person in deportation proceedings applies for a pardon, including a written notification from the governor that the state has received an application.

Supporters argue immigration is central to New York's economy. 

 But it's unclear what action Gov. Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders want. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie wouldn't specify Wednesday what immigration reforms he'll support, arguing members have not conferenced specific issues. 

"We haven't had a chance to really go into specific bills," Heastie told reporters.

Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris said lawmakers have experienced a Trump presidency before, and will take legislative action quickly when needed.

"We will do what's necessary to protect the people of New York against any affront that comes their way from the federal government," he told Spectrum News 1.

Meanwhile, Republicans have resisted expanding programs and resources for undocumented immigrants, and argue the state should prioritize improving public safety and deport immigrants with a criminal record.

Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt said the push to counteract Trump is tone deaf because many voters back the incoming president's immigration plans over President Joe Biden's.

"I think it's ridiculous," Ortt said. "I think New Yorkers will see it for what it is. Politically, I mean, hey, if you want to keep going down that road because you're not getting the memo from voters and people in New York, but I think it's tragic and bad policy."

Upstate native Tom Homan, who Trump named as his border czar, has said he'll target the state's Green Light Law that allows undocumented people to get a driver's license.