USCIS Announces Rule Change to Asylum System to Reduce Backlog

 

With this rule, USCIS can refer asylum applications to Immigration Judges without interviewing the alien

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a rule change designed to reduce the backlog in the asylum system.

Currently, both USCIS and Department of Justice (DOJ) Immigration Judges adjudicate applications for asylum: USCIS adjudicates “affirmative” asylum applications for aliens who are not in removal proceedings, while Immigration Judges adjudicate “defensive” asylum applications for aliens who are in removal proceedings. Depending on the alien’s immigration status, USCIS will usually either adjudicate the application or refer it to an Immigration Judge, who will then conduct a new review of the application. This essentially allows an alien to get a second chance at asylum.

The interim final rule allows USCIS to refer asylum applications to Immigration Judges without first interviewing the alien. This rule will shorten the total time that it takes asylum officers and Immigration Judges to adjudicate asylum applications. Among other reasons, USCIS is making this change to reduce the asylum backlog.

“For far too long the asylum system has been exploited for purposes of delay and work authorization, not legitimate claims of protection,” said USCIS Director Joseph Edlow. “America’s asylum system exists to protect individuals who genuinely fear persecution and this rule will help ensure that resources are directed to the timely adjudication of those claims instead of to those seeking to use the system as a loophole.”

“One of the greatest barriers to effective immigration enforcement is intentional delay by illegal aliens and the open borders attorneys who represent them,” said DHS General Counsel James Percival. “My office works every day with the immigration components of DHS to improve efficiency and fulfill the President’s mandate. The rule would do just that.”

The new rule will go into effect immediately. USCIS will accept public comments and later issue a final rule responding to those comments.

Fugitive Apprehended in Mexico and Removed to United States to Face Federal and State Charges

 

Janero Van DeMario Garrett, 49, a United States citizen and multi-convicted felon, was apprehended in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico July 17, after a joint operation conducted by the DEA Detroit Field Division, DEA-Mexico, U.S. Marshals Mexico Foreign Field Office and U.S. Marshals Detroit Office, FBI-Detroit, and Mexican authorities, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. Garrett faces federal narcotics trafficking charges in the Eastern District of Michigan and state firearms charges in Wayne County, Michigan. 

Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Joseph O. Dixon, DEA Detroit Field Division.

According to the federal criminal complaint, on October 31, 2024, Garrett ignored Detroit police officers’ attempts to stop his vehicle and fled at a high rate of speed. Garrett later fled on foot, carrying a roller bag containing 10 kilograms of cocaine. Investigators found the cocaine in a trash can along Garrett’s flight path. On the same day, investigators found 3 kilograms of cocaine and $606,913 of suspected drug proceeds at his residence. 

“The Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) works with our foreign partners to keep Americans safe by prosecuting drug dealers who harm our people. Hiding in another country will not save you. No defendant is beyond our reach,” said Gorgon. 

“This individual was wanted on federal drug trafficking charges, and today’s arrest demonstrates that no one can evade justice indefinitely.  Drug trafficking fuels violence, addiction, and instability in our communities, and the DEA will remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners around the globe to identify, locate, and apprehend those who engage in these criminal activities, and they will be held accountable in the U.S. justice system,” said Dixon.

If convicted of the narcotics offenses, Garrett faces at least 10 years in prison.

This prosecution is part of the HSTF initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. 

The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Detroit comprises agents and officers from numerous agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. 

QUEENS MAN CHARGED WITH MULTIPLE BURGLARIES IN FIVE-WEEK SPAN

 

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Aaron McKelvey was charged in connection with seven burglaries and one attempted burglary at commercial buildings in Long Island City, Woodside, Maspeth and Jamaica in May and June. The defendant allegedly wandered through office spaces and, in some cases, rummaged through desks to take cash and credit cards.

District Attorney Katz said: “As alleged, this defendant thought he could enter private office buildings and help himself to cash and other items. He brazenly carried out three of the alleged burglaries in just one day. Workers deserve to feel secure in their offices without fear of intruders. We thank our partners at the NYPD for their work on this case.”

McKelvey, 30, of Jamaica, was arraigned Friday on an indictment charging him with five counts of burglary in the third degree and one count of petit larceny. Queens Supreme Court Justice Frances Wang ordered him to return to court August 27.

He was arraigned earlier this month on three criminal complaints charging him with two counts of burglary in the third degree, criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, petit larceny and attempted burglary in the third degree.

McKelvey is facing 3 ½ to seven years in prison on each burglary count, if convicted.

DA Katz said, according to the charges and investigation, on May 13, at approximately 8:25 p.m., McKelvey pried open the front door to Borenstein Catering in Jamaica. He was confronted by a security guard and left without incident.

Less than two weeks later, on May 26, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the defendant allegedly entered an unoccupied office building on 44th Avenue in Long Island City through an unlocked back door where he wandered around for 20 minutes before leaving.

On June 1, at approximately 8 p.m., McKelvey allegedly entered a satellite office of NBC News in Long Island City through an unlocked door and left with a sum of international currency.

On June 16, beginning at approximately 4 a.m., McKelvey allegedly entered three office buildings within blocks of one another in Long Island City, rifling through desk drawers and taking two credit cards and a flashlight from one of the offices.

Two days later, on June 18, at approximately 2:20 p.m., McKelvey allegedly entered the office of Smart Haven Lifestyle in Woodside but was confronted by a security guard and left without incident. Between approximately 7:05 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. that evening, he allegedly used a screwdriver to pry open the front door of the Penava Mechanical Corp. in Maspeth and once inside attempted to open mail left on a desk. He was confronted by a worker inside the building.

McKelvey was apprehended on July 7 in Brooklyn.

The investigation was conducted by NYPD Detective Steven Abrahamsen of the 108th Precinct Detective Squad. Under the supervision of Commanding Officer Sergeant Terrence Lloyd.

Most Wanted COVID-19 Fraud Fugitive Returned from Jamaica to Face Charges in $32 Million Scheme

 

A fugitive on the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters List was returned Saturday to the Southern District of Florida to face federal charges for her alleged role in a scheme that fraudulently obtained more than $32 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds. 

Elaine Escoe, 41, was charged by indictment in 2025 with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and multiple substantive counts of wire fraud and money laundering. After a federal arrest warrant was issued in May 2025, Escoe failed to appear for her court appearance and fled to Jamaica. Acting on information developed by the FBI, Jamaican authorities captured Escoe after receiving a tip. She was returned to South Florida Saturday through the coordinated efforts of the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, the Jamaican Constabulary Force (JCF), and the JCF Jamaica Fugitive Apprehension Team.   

“This Most Wanted Fraudster allegedly obtained tens of millions in COVID-19 relief, stealing critical resources from legitimate businesses during a national crisis,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “She fled the country believing she could escape justice but ultimately could not. Those who exploit taxpayer-funded programs will be held accountable by this Department of Justice, no matter how long it takes or where they attempt to hide.”

“Elaine Angene Escoe’s arrest and return to the United States demonstrates that no one is beyond the reach of American justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “This Most Wanted Fraudster faces charges stemming from a multimillion-dollar scheme to defraud taxpayer-funded COVID-19 relief programs. The Fraud Division will continue to vigorously prosecute those who steal from the American people.”

“The historic success of the ‘Most Wanted Fraudster’ list continues as the FBI and our partners just captured our fourth Most Wanted Fraudster in 5 weeks, and yet another high value target returned to the U.S. by this FBI,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Elaine Angene Escoe, on the run since May of 2025, was captured in Jamaica while living under a fake identity of ‘Harley Newman’ – and returned to the United States today to face justice. She is charged for her alleged involvement in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering – connected with a scheme to fraudulently obtain over $32 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds. Escoe brings the number of high value targets returned by the FBI to over 30 just since June. Led by President Trump, Vice President Vance, and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud – the FBI and our partners continue to see an unprecedented level of success taking down the worst of the worst alleged fraudsters. In just week weeks, we have captured four subjects on three different continents charged with a combined nearly $1.8 billion in fraud, collectively on the run for over 3,500 days, each hiding overseas – now returned and all in custody in 1.5 months. Under this administration, fraud is no longer tolerated – and those who steal from American taxpayers have nowhere to hide.”

“Elaine Escoe allegedly helped orchestrate a sprawling scheme that fraudulently obtained more than $32 million from programs created to keep American businesses and workers afloat during the pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “After being charged, she failed to appear in court and fled to Jamaica. Defendants cannot escape accountability simply by leaving the country. Thanks to the determined work of our federal, state, and international partners, she is back in South Florida and will now face the charges against her. This coordinated effort demonstrates that we will pursue fugitives wherever they go and bring them back to face justice.”

According to court records, Escoe and her co-conspirators submitted or caused the submission of fraudulent applications seeking more than $32 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG), and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funds. The applications falsely represented the existence, payroll, revenue, and operations of purported businesses to qualify for and maximize federal relief funding.  

To support the fraudulent applications, the conspirators created fake tax documents, fabricated bank records, and other false financial records that lenders and program administrators relied upon in approving loans and grants. Some applications were submitted on behalf of businesses controlled by the conspirators, while others were submitted for third parties in exchange for substantial kickbacks — sometimes as much as 50% of the loan proceeds. The fraud proceeds were subsequently laundered among the conspirators.

Escoe is the last remaining defendant charged in the scheme. Following a December 2025 trial, Alfred Davis, Cher Davis, and Latoya Clark were convicted by a federal jury. James McGhow and Gino Jourdan previously pleaded guilty. Alfred Davis was sentenced to 235 months in prison, Cher Davis to 87 months, Clark to 70 months, Jourdan to 46 months, and McGhow to 42 months.

FBI Miami’s West Palm Beach Resident Agency is investigating the case, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami and the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office.  

On June 4, the FBI announced the creation of the Most Wanted Fraudsters List. The list included Herb Kimble, a fugitive in a $1.2 billion telemedicine and durable medical equipment scheme, who, on June 8 — just four days later — was apprehended in the Philippines and was soon after charged as part of the 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. On June 8, Escoe was added to the Most Wanted Fraudsters List, and she was apprehended less than two months later.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. 

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-80076.

$3.85 Million Settlement Of Case Against Labor Unions For Improper Receipt Of Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) Loans

Four Labor Unions and Employee Benefit Plan Admit They Were Ineligible to Receive Pandemic-Era Government Loans

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that International Union of Journeymen and Allied Trades (“IUJAT”), United Service Workers Union, IUJAT National Union (“USWU”), Home Healthcare Workers of America, IUJAT (“HHWA”), Service Professionals Union Local 726 IUJAT (“LOCAL 726”), and United Welfare Fund - Welfare Division (“UWF”) (collectively, the “Defendants”) agreed to pay $3,850,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by falsely certifying that they were eligible for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans.  

The Defendants are organized as tax-exempt non-profit organizations pursuant to Section 501(c)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The PPP was established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act to assist small businesses nationwide adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Administered by the SBA, the program provided forgivable loans to eligible borrowers.  In April 2020, Section 501(c)(5) non-profit organizations were not eligible to apply for or receive PPP loans.  The settlement resolves claims that the Defendants violated the False Claims Act by falsely certifying their eligibility for PPP loans because, as 501(c)(5) non-profit organizations, the Defendants were ineligible for the loans at the time they applied. 

“The Paycheck Protection Program was created to help eligible small businesses weather the economic strain of the pandemic through forgivable loans,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “The defendants here applied for and received millions of dollars in taxpayer funds for which they were not eligible.  This Office is committed to protecting taxpayer dollars and recovering public funds that flow to those who do not qualify.” 

As alleged in the Complaint filed in Manhattan federal court:

IUJAT, USWU, HHWA, and LOCAL 726 are labor unions, and UWF is an employee benefit plan that provides welfare benefits to members of these labor unions.  Between April 16 and April 20, 2020, each Defendant submitted, through its authorized representative, an application for a PPP loan.  In total, the Defendants received $3,316,966 in PPP loans.  Each Defendant certified on its loan application that it was eligible to receive the loan under the rules in effect at the time, and each Defendant later applied for and obtained full forgiveness of its loan.

At the time they applied in April 2020, the Defendants were 501(c)(5) non-profit organizations and were therefore ineligible to receive PPP loans.  Before applying, the Defendants were aware that an SBA regional employee had advised their contact at a bank that only 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) non-profit organizations were eligible for PPP loans.  Nevertheless, each Defendant decided to apply for and accept a loan.

The Defendants, at a minimum, acted with reckless disregard or deliberate ignorance of the fact that they were ineligible for the PPP funds at the time they applied.  In fact, the Defendants became aware on April 9, 2020, that the AFL-CIO—the nation’s largest federation of unions—had advised that labor unions were ineligible for PPP loans. 

As part of the settlement, the Defendants admitted and accepted responsibility for certain conduct alleged by the United States, including the following:

• Each Defendant certified on its PPP borrower loan application that it was eligible to receive the loan under the rules of the SBA in effect at the time the application was submitted.
• Before applying for the PPP loans, the Defendants were aware that an SBA regional employee had advised their contact at a bank that only 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) non-profit organizations were eligible for PPP loans.  The Defendants are not 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) non-profit organizations. 

In connection with the filing of the lawsuit and settlement, the Government joined a private whistleblower lawsuit that had been filed under seal pursuant to the False Claims Act.

Mr. Clayton praised the Small Business Administration’s Office of General Counsel for its assistance with this case.

The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Frauds Unit.  

RIKERS ISLAND INMATE SENTENCED FOR VICIOUS ASSAULT ON NYC DEPT OF CORRECTION OFFICER

Female Victim Knocked Unconscious; Hospitalized for a Week 

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Rikers Island inmate was sentenced for assaulting a New York City Department of Correction Officer at Rikers Island. 

District Attorney Clark said, “This defendant struck the Officer from behind with such force that it rendered her unconscious, causing her to fall face first on the floor. She suffered serious injuries to her head and face and spent many months at home recuperating before she was cleared to return to duty. The seven-year sentence imposed on this defendant sends a clear message that attacks on Correction Officers will be met with a vigorous prosecution.” 

District Attorney Clark said defendant Robert Ray, 35, was sentenced on July 23, 2026, to seven years in prison with five years of post-release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Darlene Goldberg. On March 18, 2026, Ray pleaded guilty to Assault on a Peace Officer, Police officer, firefighter or emergency services personnel.

New York City Department of Correction Commissioner Stanley Richards said, “Violence against a correction officer cannot, and will not, be tolerated. I extend my gratitude to the Bronx District Attorney for her work on this case promoting accountability for this attack and thank our staff in the Correction Intelligence Bureau for their work on the investigation. The Department will spare no effort to ensure that our members of service are safe.”

According to the investigation, on February 8, 2025, at 6:18pm in the Otis Bantum Correctional Center Mess Hall in Rikers Island, the Correction Officer was on post supervising the inmates as they were eating dinner. The defendant is seen on video seated at a table amongst other inmates in the mess hall. Ray got up from the table and walked directly over to the victim, whose back was turned. Without warning, Ray rears back and swings a closed fist pummeling the Correction Officer in the head. The force of the blow knocked her unconscious and she fell forward onto the mess hall floor striking her face on the hard floor. She was carried out of harm’s way by her fellow officers, still unconscious, and transported via ambulance to the hospital where she received emergency treatment for head and facial trauma. She remained hospitalized for a week for treatment and recovery from her head, facial, and eye trauma. More than a year passed until she was cleared to return to work. 

District Attorney Clark thanked Department of Corrections Central Intelligence Bureau Investigators Paul Smith, Nathaniel Williamson, Lakeisha White, Ayana Jackson, Walter Holmes and Jeffery Rios for their work in the investigation.  

Safer Streets: Governor Hochul Announces Continued Progress in New York’s Fight to Drive Down Gun Violence

Shooting Incidents with Injury in Communities Participating in the State’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) Initiative Decreased 19 Percent During the First Half of 2026

Seventeen GIVE Police Departments Reported No Shooting Homicides from January through June

Rochester, Suffolk County and Syracuse Police Departments Experienced Double-Digit Decreases in Shooting Incidents With Injury

Index Crime Also Declined 6 Percent in GIVE Communities During the First Quarter of 2026, and 13 Percent When Comparing 2025 to 2024

Significant Progress Sustains Dramatic Reductions That Occurred In 2025, When Shooting Incidents With Injury Reached The Fewest Ever Reported

Since Taking Office, Governor Hochul Has Invested Nearly $4 Billion in Public Safety To Drive Down Crime and Keep New Yorkers Safe

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that gun violence in communities participating in the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative decreased 19 percent during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year. Shooting deaths also declined 48 percent (26 v. 50), with 17 police departments reporting no firearm-related murders during the first six months of 2026: Amherst, Auburn, Binghamton, Hempstead, Ithaca, Jamestown, Kingston, Lackawanna, Middletown, Mount Vernon, Newburgh (city), Rochester, Schenectady, Spring Valley, Utica, Watertown and Yonkers. Data for the first quarter of 2026 reported by the 28 GIVE police departments also showed progress in driving down index crime, collectively reporting a six percent decrease compared to the first quarter of last year.

“These statistics are more than just numbers. They are the lives that weren’t cut short, a loved one who didn't receive a devastating phone call, and a community that was spared another act of violence,” Governor Hochul said. “That's why we've made record investments in both enforcement and prevention — because New Yorkers deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods. These results show what's possible when we stay committed to making our communities safer, and we won't let up until every New Yorker feels safe where they live.”

In addition to the decline in shooting incidents with injury (197 v. 244) during the first half of this year when compared to 2025, the number of shooting victims decreased by 20 percent (223 vs. 279). This significant progress sustains dramatic reductions that occurred in 2025, when shooting incidents with injury reached the fewest ever reported since the state started tracking these data 20 years ago. Shooting incidents with injury dropped 66 percent (197 v. 583) when comparing data from January – June this year to the first half of 2021.

Administered by the State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the GIVE initiative supports personnel, overtime, equipment and technology. The agencies participating in the initiative in each county must collaborate to develop a comprehensive plan outlining the evidence-based strategies they will use to address shootings and firearm-related violent crime. The 28 participating police departments collectively account for about 90 percent of violent crimes involving firearms and 85 percent of all violent crime reported outside of New York City.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Governor Hochul needs to come to the Bronx North Division where murder, rape, transit crime, housing crime, shooting incidents, and shooting victims are up when compared to the same time period of a year ago. And this is for only the reported crimes, whereas a former police commissioner said that the unreported crimes cannot be accounted for, but "MUCH CRIME GOES UNREORTED", GOVERNOR HOCHUL. 

Mayor Mamdani Unveils 30% Discount — Including All Produce, All Meat and Key Pantry Staples — at New Municipal Grocery Stores

 

Grocery costs have risen 33% nationwide since 2019 

 

Mayor also released RFP for Operators to Manage Five Municipal Grocery Stores Expected to Open by 2029 

 

Discount projected to save New Yorkers an average of $90 a month — or $1,000 a year 

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su and New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) announced that a core basket of everyday groceries will be 30 percent cheaper at the five new municipal grocery stores. The basket will include all fresh produce, meat and seafood, along with roughly 20 additional categories of pantry staples, dairy and refrigerated goods. The discount will apply to all regardless of income, with prices locked in and predictable rather than fluctuating week to week as is the case at private grocers. Combined, the savings are projected to cut New Yorkers’ average grocery bill by 15 percent, about $90 a month, or roughly $1,000 a year.  

 

The Mayor also issued a request for proposals (RFP) from qualified grocers or firms to serve as operators of one or more N.Y.C. Groceries stores. The selected operator will be responsible for day-to-day store operations, including merchandising, staffing and adherence to strong labor practices. 

 

The Mamdani administration’s network of municipal grocery stores — a core pillar of the Mayor’s Affordability Agenda — will guarantee lower prices for New Yorkers across the five boroughs, including the more than 40% of families who struggle to afford food. The first grocery store will open by the end of 2027 at Hunts Point in the Bronx, a neighborhood where 77% of households struggle to afford basic necessities. All five stores — one per borough — will be open by the end of the Mayor’s first term, including La Marqueta in East Harlem. The Mayor has allocated $70 million in the capital budget to deliver on this core commitment to New Yorkers, in partnership with NYCEDC. 

 

“Every week, New Yorkers walk into a grocery store hoping the prices haven’t gone up again,” said Mayor Mamdani. “A trip to the grocery store shouldn’t spell dread for New Yorkers. That’s why we are guaranteeing a 30% discount on the most common and most critical groceries for families across the five boroughs — including eggs, milk, chicken and fresh fruits and vegetables. In a city that’s defined by unpredictability, you deserve stability — no matter what aisle you’re in.” 

 

“Groceries are one of the clearest places New Yorkers feel the cost of living every week,” said Julie Su, Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice. “This administration is building a grocery store model that puts affordability first, with a 30 percent discount on essential foods and quality jobs for the people who run these stores. That’s what it means to make this city work for working people.” 

 

“N.Y.C. Groceries: A Recipe for Affordability’ is a plan that clearly and transparently defines Mayor Mamdani and the Administration’s goal of making basic groceries more affordable for all New Yorkers and with the 30% discount on essential items, this first-of-its-kind municipal program has the potential to become an essential public service,” said NYCEDC Interim President & CEO Jeanny Pak. “We are thrilled to be leading this RFP in search of private operator who is going to be a key partner in the success of this initiative and serve as another example of how public-private partnerships can help make New York City more affordable for everyone.” 

 

“N.Y.C. Groceries: A Recipe for Affordability” is structured into nine sections that consist of: 

 

•   The Need: Food affordability means that New Yorkers can meet their basic grocery needs without spending an unreasonable share of their income. Today, nearly 80% of New Yorkers report concern about rising food prices. 

•   N.Y.C. Groceries: The initiative will establish a first-of-its-kind model in major US cities: Municipal supermarkets with private grocery store operators to lower prices, improve access and set clear standards for quality and accountability. 

•   How We Measure Affordability: N.Y.C. Groceries is designed to make that expectation real by delivering consistent, everyday savings on the essential foods families need most. Operators will be required to stock items across key food categories and offer clear, reliable pricing on the shelf, with prices for core items locked in monthly and updated periodically to reflect market conditions. 

•   The Operating model: The City sets the mission, the standards and the store design; experienced third-party operators run the stores day to day under those requirements. 

•   Site selection: N.Y.C. Groceries stores are going where need is highest, but that need looks different across the City. The City is using a data-driven approach to identify priority neighborhoods facing the greatest challenges with grocery affordability and access. 

•   Public & Stakeholder engagement: To guide this work, City Hall has convened an interagency taskforce bringing together agencies responsible for food policy, labor and worker protection, consumer protection and planning. New Yorkers will have multiple ways to share feedback and directly shape how N.Y.C. Groceries stores operate in their communities. 

•   Good jobs: N.Y.C. Groceries will deliver quality jobs alongside affordable groceries. Operators will be required to provide family sustaining wages and benefits and commit to a Labor Peace Agreement so that workers who want to organize can do so without interference. Affordability for shoppers and dignity for workers are part of the same commitment to working people. 

•   Supporting the broader grocery ecosystem: N.Y.C Groceries is not a stand-alone initiative. It is designed to work alongside and strengthen the broader food and grocery systems that the City has built and that New Yorkers rely on every day. 

•   Path forward: The City has already begun moving N.Y.C. Groceries from vision to execution. Following the Mayor’s initial announcement and call for public input in spring 2026, New Yorkers, workers and industry experts have helped shape this initiative through ongoing roundtables and focus groups. 

 

The RFP seeks operator(s) to accomplish the following goals: 

 

•   Managing N.Y.C. Groceries at one or more sites, handling a comprehensive set of grocery store operating responsibilities, including but not limited to: 

•   Merchandising: Operator(s) must consistently stock items across standard grocery departments 

•   Product Sourcing: Operator(s) must develop reliable, cost-effective supply chains that support merchandising. 

•   Private label: Operator(s), in collaboration with NYCEDC, will identify and pursue opportunities to launch an N.Y.C. Groceries private label across a variety of product categories. 

•   Quality assurance: Operator(s) will manage operational and supply chain food safety and quality assurance functions. 

•   Staffing: Operator(s) must design and implement staffing models that ensure reliable store operations, including but not limited to adequate stocking levels, coverage at all operating hours, customer service standards and inventory management 

•   Security: Operator(s) will be responsible for securing N.Y.C. Groceries sites for shoppers and workers, managing crime and loss prevention. 

 

“N.Y.C. Groceries: A Recipe for Affordability” builds on a number of past announcements for this initiative including the selection of the first two sites in East Harlem and Hunts Point; the N.Y.C. Groceries Sites Portal to identify potential locations for future stores in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island; and, most recently, the Request for Proposals for design firms to develop the N.Y.C. Groceries brand identity. 

 

For more information about the private operator RFP, visit the NYCEDC RFP webpage. NYCEDC will facilitate a virtual information session on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Prospective respondents must RSVP by Monday, August 3. Responses to the RFP are due by 4:00 p.m. ET on Friday, October 16, 2026. For more information about N.Y.C. Groceries, please visit the N.Y.C. Groceries webpage.