DHS Arrests Illegal Alien Charged with Arson in New York

 

This illegal alien from Guatemala set fire to 10 cars, including in a parking lot near a children’s center

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested an illegal alien charged with arson after burning multiple cars in New York.

On May 10, 2026, police in Nassau County, New York arrested Elder Lopez-Avalos, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, on charges of fire and arson. According to local reports, Lopez-Avalos set fire to 10 cars in Freeport. Several of the acts of arson took place in a parking lot near a children’s center.

The Nassau County Police Department cooperated with ICE law enforcement, and with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), ICE took Lopez-Avalos into custody on May 12.

“Thanks to ICE and CBP law enforcement, this criminal illegal alien charged with arson was arrested by ICE on May 12,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “This pyromaniac set fire to 10 cars and was a clear public safety threat. If you come to our country illegally and break our laws, we will arrest you and deport you.”

Lopez-Avalos illegally entered the United States at an unknown date and location. He will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

Unfortunately, many New York jurisdictions do NOT cooperate with ICE. As of December 1, New York’s failure to honor ICE detainers has resulted in the release of 6,947 criminal illegal aliens since January 20. The crimes of these aliens include 29 homicides, 2,509 assaults, 199 burglaries, 305 robberies, 392 dangerous drugs offenses, 300 weapons offenses, and 207 sexual predatory offenses. As of December 1, 7,113 aliens in the custody of a New York jurisdiction have an active detainer. The crimes of these aliens include 148 homicides, 717 assaults, 134 burglaries, 106 robberies, 235 dangerous drugs offenses, 152 weapons offenses, and 260 sexual predatory offenses.

Homeland Security Task Force Arrests Maduro Regime Ally Alex Saab on Money Laundering Charges Involving Venezuelan Food Contracts and Oil

 

Venezuela’s former Minister of Industry and National Production made his initial appearance today pursuant to an indictment unsealed in the Southern District of Florida charging him for his alleged role in a sprawling international money laundering conspiracy involving the corruption and exploitation of a Venezuelan public welfare program intended to provide food to vulnerable Venezuelans. 

According to court records, Alex Nain Saab Moran, 55, of Colombia, allegedly conspired with others to bribe Venezuelan public officials to secure lucrative Comité Local de Abastecimiento y Producción (CLAP) contracts to import food into Venezuela. Saab is accused of conspiring with others to fraudulently misrepresent the nature and source of the food supplies, including falsely documenting imports from Colombia and Mexico.

“Thanks to the efforts of the Homeland Security Task Force, Alex Saab will be prosecuted and held fully accountable under U.S. law for his alleged role in this scheme,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.

“DEA has long investigated the alleged financial crimes and networks tied to Alex Saab and the former Maduro regime,” said Administrator Terrance Cole of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “These charges are a direct result of DEA’s continued commitment to dismantle the corrupt networks operating throughout Venezuela. This Administration’s support of law enforcement and DEA’s relentless pursuit of those enabling cartel activities allowed us, along with our HSTF partners, to return Alex Saab back to the United States to face justice once again.”

“Alex Saab allegedly used American banks to launder hundreds of millions of dollars stolen from a Venezuelan food program meant for the poor and proceeds from the illegal sale of Venezuelan oil,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This is unacceptable. The Criminal Division will not allow foreign actors to exploit the American financial system and use it as a safe haven for the proceeds of their corruption.” 

“The FBI remains deeply committed to dismantling complex financial networks that fund illicit activities,” said Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office. “By working closely with our federal partners, we have successfully disrupted a sophisticated operation facilitated by Alex Saab and his co-conspirators designed to conceal the origins of illegally obtained wealth. We will continue to deploy every investigative resource at our disposal to track dirty money, protect the integrity of our financial institutions, and ensure that those who profit from crime are held fully accountable under the law.”

“This indictment alleges that a humanitarian food program intended to support vulnerable Venezuelans was instead manipulated for massive personal enrichment,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “According to the charges, the defendant used bribery, shell companies, and fraudulent documents to siphon hundreds of millions of dollars for personal gain. When illicit proceeds are moved through the United States financial system, our courts have jurisdiction and our prosecutors will act. The charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.” 

Rather than fulfilling the contracts, Saab and his co-conspirators secretly used shell companies, fraudulent invoices, falsified shipping records, and other fabricated documents — along with a network of bribes and kickbacks — to siphon off hundreds of millions of dollars that were intended to be used to purchase food for needy Venezuelans. Portions of the illicit proceeds were allegedly spent or concealed through transfers to and through bank accounts in the U.S. 

The indictment further alleges that, from 2019 through at least January 2026, the conspiracy expanded as U.S. economic sanctions crippled Venezuelan exports, especially oil, placing severe strain on the country’s finances and its ability to meet its foreign debt obligations, including payments to Saab and his co-conspirators as part of the CLAP program. Exploiting their corrupt relationships with government officials, Saab and his co-conspirators allegedly gained access to billions of dollars’ worth of oil owned by Venezuelan state-owned Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA) and sold it under false pretenses. 

Proceeds from those illegal sales were then transferred to and through U.S. bank accounts to further promote and conceal the CLAP scheme.

Saab is charged with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. 

DEA Miami Field Division is investigating the case, with assistance from FBI Miami and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Monique Botero of the Southern District of Florida and Deputy Chief Joseph Palazzo from the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section are prosecuting the case. 

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (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 Miami comprises of agents and officers from the DEA Miami Field Division, FBI Miami, and HSI Miami with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Miami.

MNF’s mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.

An indictment/complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Attorney General James Warns New Yorkers About Price Gouging During Long Island Rail Road Strike

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James today issued a consumer alert warning New Yorkers to beware of price gouging of transportation services amid the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) workers’ strike. New York’s price gouging laws prohibit businesses from unconscionably increasing prices on goods or services, including transportation, that are vital to consumers’ health, safety, or welfare during market disruptions. Train service at all LIRR stations has shut down, forcing New Yorkers to rely on alternative means of transportation. Attorney General James is encouraging anyone who encounters excessively higher prices of rideshare services, car rentals, and parking to report it to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

“As New Yorkers face a complete shutdown of LIRR service, many are counting on rideshares, rental cars, and other services to help them commute,” Attorney General James. “This strike is no excuse for companies to unfairly raise prices on New Yorkers. We will not tolerate price gouging, and I encourage everyone to remain vigilant and report illegal price hikes to my office.”

New York’s price gouging law covers New York state vendors, retailers, and suppliers, and includes essential goods and services that are necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of consumers or the general public. These goods and services include food, water, gasoline, hotel lodging, and transportation options.

When reporting price gouging to OAG, consumers should:

• Report the specific increased prices, dates, and places that they saw the increased prices; and
• Provide copies of their sales receipts and photos of the advertised prices, if available.

Price gouging violations can carry penalties of up to $25,000 per violation. New Yorkers should report potential concerns about price gouging to OAG by filing a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755.

Mayor Mamdani Activates City’s Heat Emergency Plan Ahead of Unseasonably Hot Conditions Beginning Tuesday

 

Cooling centers will open across all five boroughs; New Yorkers encouraged to call 311 or use the City’s Cool Options Finder to locate nearest site

 

City expanding outreach and assistance for vulnerable neighbors 

 

Residents urged to take precautions to stay cool, healthy and informed during heat advisory period 

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) today activated the City’s Heat Emergency Plan ahead of unseasonably hot conditions expected beginning tomorrow morning, with heat index forecasts reaching as high as 96 degrees in some parts of the city. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a heat advisory for 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 19, through 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 20.

The City’s Heat Emergency Plan brings together City agencies across New York City government to help New Yorkers stay safe during extreme heat. Key actions include opening cooling centers; expanding outreach to residents at highest risk, including older adults, people with chronic health conditions and people experiencing homelessness; issuing targeted alerts through the City’s Advanced Warning System; increasing public information efforts; monitoring health impacts in real time; strengthening coordination with utilities; and working with healthcare providers and community organizations to reduce risks and protect public health.

“Just as New Yorkers look out for one another through the coldest days of winter, we must do the same through the hottest days of the year,” said Mayor Mamdani. “City workers will be out across all five boroughs welcoming neighbors to cooling centers and helping our neighbors stay safe in extreme heat. I urge every New Yorker to plan ahead, stay hydrated, check in on loved ones and take this heat seriously.”

“Tomorrow, we'll be seeing temperatures that feel more like the middle of summer than the middle of May,” said NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. “Because it’s arriving early in the season, New Yorkers may not be thinking about heat safety yet. Even though this period of heat is expected to be brief, we encourage everyone to stay hydrated, check on their neighbors and subscribe to Notify NYC.”

“As tomorrow’s unusually hot weather encourages you to spend more time outdoors, please remember to stay alert to the risks of extreme heat,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin. “The best way to prevent heat-related illness is to remain in a cool, air-conditioned environment — a fan alone isn’t enough. If you do plan to be outside, stay in the shade, drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks as needed. Pay attention to your body and watch for signs of heat stroke, such as difficulty breathing or a rapid heartbeat. I want all New Yorkers to enjoy themselves safely.”

According to the NWS, heat index values across New York City are expected to range from 91-96 degrees Tuesday afternoon, with the highest values expected between approximately 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. in portions of the Bronx, northern Manhattan and Staten Island.

An Air Quality Health Alert remains in effect through 11 p.m. tonight, with an Air Quality Index of 105, which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Forecasted weather conditions could result in elevated air quality index levels through Wednesday. Exposure to poor air quality can increase respiratory stress, especially for people with asthma or allergies.

New Yorkers are urged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak heat hours and seek air-conditioned spaces whenever possible. Residents should check on vulnerable neighbors and loved ones, recognize the warning signs of heat illness and help others who may be at greater risk.

In New York City, most heat-related deaths occur after prolonged exposure to heat indoors without air conditioning. Air conditioning remains the most effective way to stay safe during extreme heat, though many New Yorkers at highest risk may not have access to or use air conditioning.

To help New Yorkers find relief, cooling centers will be open across all five boroughs. Cooling center locations may have changed since last year. New Yorkers can find a nearby cooling center, including accessible and pet-friendly locations, by visiting the City's Cool Options Map or calling 311. Service animals are always permitted at cooling centers.

In addition to cooling centers, the City offers outdoor cooling resources, including spray showers and drinking fountains, through Cool It! NYC.

Department of Homeless Services (DHS) outreach teams will intensify around-the-clock operations across the five boroughs, implementing best practices and health guidance while engaging New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness and encouraging them to access shelter and cooler indoor settings. Outreach teams will also distribute water and other essentials while prioritizing the health and safety of vulnerable New Yorkers. Anyone who sees a homeless New Yorker who may need assistance is encouraged to contact 311 through phone or the City’s mobile app and request outreach services.

For more information and tips, visit nyc.gov/beattheheat or nyc.gov/beready.

New Yorkers are encouraged to stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the City's free emergency communications program, to receive free emergency alerts by texting NotifyNYC to 692-692, visiting the Notify NYC page, calling 311, following @NotifyNYC or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for Apple or Android devices.  

ST. ALBANS MAN CONVICTED OF THREE COUNTS OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER FOR THE STABBING DEATHS OF HIS GIRLFRIEND AND TWO TENANTS IN 2023

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that David Daniel was convicted by a jury of three counts of murder in the first degree for the stabbing deaths of two tenants and his girlfriend inside his St. Albans home in November 2023. The defendant told investigators the attacks were prompted by the tenants’ failure to pay rent and an argument with his girlfriend.

District Attorney Katz said: “Three people lost their lives at the hands of this defendant when he became enraged over a rent dispute. He stabbed to death his girlfriend and two tenants, who were each found with multiple stab wounds to their neck and chest. Shortly after committing the murders, Daniel turned himself into a police precinct and confessed that he did a ‘horrible thing.’ This defendant’s actions will have repercussions in three families for generations to come and with today’s conviction he will now face life in prison.”

Daniel, 56, of St. Albans, was convicted by a jury of three counts of murder in the first degree, three counts of murder in the second degree, tampering with physical evidence and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.

Trial openings took place on May 5 and closings on May 14. The jury deliberated for several hours before reaching a verdict.

Queens Supreme Court Justice Kenneth Holder set sentencing for June 9, when the defendant faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

DA Katz said that, according to the charges and trial testimony, on November 14, 2023, at approximately 7:00 a.m, Daniel arrived at the 113th Precinct stationhouse and told officers he had done a “horrible thing” that morning. The defendant told police that he was having trouble with his tenants, who had not paid rent in a long time. The defendant also believed his girlfriend was about to move out of the residence and end their five-year relationship.

At approximately 7:16 a.m., officers from the 113th Precinct went to Daniel’s home on Milburn Street. In the basement, they found Daniel’s tenants — 57-year-old Wayne Thomas and 55-year-old Evette Sweeney – lying face up on the floor. Each had sustained multiple stab wounds. Officers found Daniel’s girlfriend, 51-year-old Coleen Caesar Fields, faced down on a bed in a second-floor bedroom. She also had sustained multiple stab wounds.

The three victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

Daniel was seen leaving his home at approximately 6:20 a.m. on November 14 holding a garbage bag and entering a car.

California Woman Federally Charged with Paying Individuals, Including Homeless People on L.A.’s Skid Row, to Register to Vote

 

A California woman who worked as a longtime signature collector for ballot initiatives has been charged with paying individuals – including homeless people living in the Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles – to register to vote.

“False registrations undermine Americans’ faith in elections – even more so when payoffs are involved,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This Justice Department is committed to ensuring that all U.S. elections are fair and free from illegal meddling – so that all Americans can accept the results with confidence.”

Brenda Lee Brown Armstrong, of Marina del Rey, California, 64, also known as “Anika,” is charged with one felony count of paying another person to register to vote, a federal charge that carries a statutory maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.

Armstrong has agreed to plead guilty to the charge and is scheduled to make her initial appearance this morning in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana. She is expected to plead guilty in the coming weeks.

According to her plea agreement, for approximately 20 years, Armstrong periodically worked as a “petition circulator.” In that role, she was paid by individuals and entities – known as “coordinators” – to collect voter signatures on official petitions that qualify initiatives, referendums, and recalls for California state ballots. Armstrong drove around the Los Angeles area to find registered voters to sign the petitions.

After gathering enough signatures, Armstrong returned the petitions to her coordinators, who then paid her a set amount for each registered voter’s signature. The amount she was paid varied depending on the specific ballot initiative. Because her coordinators only paid for signatures attributable to registered voters, Armstrong endeavored to ensure the people who signed her petitions were registered voters.

Armstrong occasionally solicited petitioned signatures in Skid Row, an area of downtown Los Angeles notorious for its homelessness problem. Skid Row was a convenient place for Armstrong to collect signatures because of its high concentration of people in a relatively small area who were willing to sign petitions in exchange for payment. Armstrong regularly paid and offered to pay individuals cash, usually in amounts between $2 and $3, to induce them to sign her petitions.

Many of Skid Row’s homeless population were not registered to vote. To ensure she maximized her pay from her coordinators, starting no later than 2025, Armstrong began offering payment to individuals not only to sign her petitions, but also to complete a voter registration form. Before going to Skid Row, Armstrong gathered a stack of voter registration forms from the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters.

Some homeless people did not have an address to put on the forms. On several occasions, Armstrong provided a homeless individual with her own former address in Los Angeles so they had something to write on the registration form. These registration forms simultaneously registered an individual to vote in California elections and in federal elections.

Because California automatically sends a vote-by-mail ballot to every registered voter, this also meant ballots in some homeless individuals’ names could have the potential to be sent to Armstrong’s former residence where the homeless individual did not live or collect mail.

On Jan. 30, as part of her ongoing scheme, Armstrong knowingly and willfully paid another person to register to vote. She paid the person for the purpose of causing that person to register to vote in federal elections.

The FBI and investigators with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California investigated this matter.

Former CEO Of Cosmetic Company Charged With Defrauding Public Company And Its Shareholders

 

Jaime Castle Orchestrated a Scheme to Fraudulently Inflate the Reported Revenue of Obagi Cosmeceuticals to Induce Acquisition by Publicly Traded Company Waldencast

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and the Inspector in Charge of the New York Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), Ketty Larco-Ward, announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging JAIME CASTLE, former Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of Obagi Cosmeceuticals LLC (“Obagi”) with conspiracy, securities fraud, wire fraud, and false statements to auditors and improperly influencing an audit. CASTLE led a scheme to fraudulently inflate Obagi’s purported sales of cosmetic products to give the false impression that Obagi was a growing company. CASTLE used that fraudulently inflated revenue to deceive a public company that acquired Obagi, called Waldencast Plc (“Waldencast”), and its shareholders, obtaining a $2 million cash bonus for arranging the acquisition. Once her scheme was uncovered, Waldencast had to restate its revenue by more than $50 million as a result of Castle’s fraud.

“Jaime Castle allegedly defrauded a public company and its shareholders by ginning up fake revenue to suggest growth that did not exist,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Castle then lied to auditors to try to keep her scheme from being uncovered. Today’s indictment is a reminder that this Office and our law enforcement partners will not hesitate to go to the C-suite to root out fraud and false statements in our business community.”

“Ms. Castle allegedly used the U.S. Mail to facilitate her criminal activity, swindling  her unsuspecting investors by providing them false information about her company,” said USPIS Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward.  “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will work tirelessly to expose these investment scams and protect the public from individuals, who use deceptive tactics to make a profit.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed on in Manhattan federal court:[1]

From at least in or about 2021 through at least in or about 2023, CASTLE orchestrated a scheme to enrich herself by fraudulently inflating Obagi’s revenue and financial performance in order to defraud Waldencast and its shareholders. CASTLE, the CEO of Obagi, created the illusion that Obagi was a growing company by artificially inflating purported sales of cosmetic products to a Vietnamese distributor (“Distributor-1”), even though CASTLE knew that Distributor-1 could not pay for and, in many cases, had no need for those products. This illusion of growth made Obagi appear to be an attractive acquisition target for Waldencast and for Waldencast’s shareholders, who voted to approve a merger with Obagi in July 2022. CASTLE received a bonus of over $2 million for the successful completion of that merger. She then continued to lie to Waldencast’s management, shareholders, and auditors about Obagi’s sales and revenue, in the hopes of receiving additional bonuses and to conceal her scheme. When Waldencast discovered CASTLE’s scheme, it restated Obagi’s revenue for 2021 and 2022, showing that more than $50 million in revenue had been fraudulently reported based on CASTLE’s lies.

Despite the fact that Distributor-1 had a long history of failing to pay amounts owed for Obagi products, routinely violated the provision of her distribution agreement with Obagi requiring timely payment, and was holding a backlog of unsold product, CASTLE pushed ever greater quantities of product to Distributor-1, which Distributor-1 did not need and could not sell or pay for, to create the appearance that Obagi was a growing company.

CASTLE’s lies caused Waldencast to file publicly and with the SEC financial information about Obagi that was not true, including—shortly before Waldencast’s shareholders voted to approve the merger with Obagi— that Obagi had “[o]ver-delivered on topline” in 2021 and had “[s]trong momentum” in 2022 “with Q1 outperforming versus budget and last year.” Meanwhile, in private messages CASTLE acknowledged the exact opposite, writing in text messages that Obagi was “getting almost no payments [and] it’s becoming a massive issue for us” and that she had “been trying to keep how bad the account standing [is] under wraps.” She also acknowledged that “[Distributor-1] has a ton of inventory” and that CASTLE was “not sure how to handle [the situation] without sounding every alarm and scar[]ing everyone in the company.”

After Waldencast’s shareholders approved the merger with Obagi, CASTLE continued to lie about the company’s financial situation to Waldencast executives and its auditors. But eventually her scheme was uncovered. Between January and March 2024, Waldencast issued multiple restatements to financial reports that it issued in 2021 and 2022. Those restatements had the effect of, among other things, reducing revenue from Obagi’s sales to Distributor-1 by over $14 million for 2021 and by over $40 million for 2022.

CASTLE, 46, of Conroe, Texas, is charged with conspiracy to commit securities fraud, wire fraud, make false filings, and false statements to auditors, which carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison; securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; false statements to auditors and improperly influencing the conduct of audits, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Mr. Clayton further thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas Burnett, Courtney Heavey, and Allison Nichols are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Mayor Mamdani Doubles Number of 3-K Seats To be Added Across All Five Boroughs

 

City will now add 2,000 new 3-K seats, doubling earlier expansion plan across 56 ZIP codes  

  

Equitable waitlist process will allow families to express interest in newly added sites  

  

Administration also announces opening of previously vacant child care center at 129 Van Brunt St.

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today announced that New York City will add 2,000 new 3-K seats for families across all five boroughs, building on the administration’s commitment to strengthen and stabilize the City’s early childhood education system.   

  

The expansion deepens the City’s partnership with community-based child care providers, which will house a majority of the new seats. As part of the rollout, the City will launch an equitable waitlist process allowing families to express interest in newly added sites while prioritizing family choice, sibling preference and proximity to programs.  

  

The administration also announced the opening of a new early childhood education center in Brooklyn’s Columbia Waterfront neighborhood, adding 63 new 3-K and Pre-K seats. After years of community demand and demonstrated need for additional child care capacity, the Mamdani administration is moving forward with opening the center after the previous administration left the building vacant.   

  

“On day eight of this administration, we made a promise to New Yorkers: we would fix the 3-K system and build a city where every family can count on affordable, high-quality child care. Today, we’re delivering on that promise,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Over the past few months, we have opened nine previously vacant child care centers, added thousands of 3-K seats where families need them most and started rebuilding trust with working families across this city. And we’re just getting started.”  

  

“We are excited to continue strengthening and expanding 3-K so that more children across all five boroughs can benefit from the joyful, engaging learning experiences these programs provide,” said New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels. “By adding seats and opening new centers, we are building on our commitment to making early childhood education more accessible for New York City families and giving our youngest learners a strong start from day one.”

 

To ensure the new seats are distributed equitably and to empower families to make the choices that work best for them, roughly 700 seats added after the application update period closed on April 24 will be filled through the waitlist process. Families can continue adding themselves to waitlists for all programs, and seats will be offered based on availability.  

  

While all families who applied to 3-K will receive an offer tomorrow, May 19, the waitlist process will allow families to express interest in newly available sites and potentially receive an offer at a preferred program closer to home.  

  

The opening of the child care center at 129 Van Brunt St. marks the ninth previously vacant child care center opened by Mayor Mamdani and Chancellor Samuels to meet demand for affordable child care. The site will contribute 45 3-K seats to the administration’s total 2,000 newly added seats.  

  

In February, Mayor Mamdani announced the opening of an Upper East Side early childhood education center after delays under the previous administration. The Mamdani administration later opened seven vacant centers across Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens.   

  

“Expanding access to high-quality early childhood education starts with creating safe, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate spaces where our youngest learners can thrive. The School Construction Authority is proud to partner with Mayor Mamdani and New York City Public Schools to prepare Pre-K and early childhood sites for students and families across the five boroughs,” said SCA President and CEO Nina Kubota. “The $200 million investment for Early Education in the current SCA Capital Plan reflects our continued commitment to ensure Pre-K spaces are ready to serve communities for years to come.”   

  

In January, Mayor Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul announced a historic investment in universal 3-K, Pre-K and 2-K. Since then, the administration has continued expanding child care capacity in communities facing the highest excess demand. Earlier this year, the Mayor announced an expansion of more than 1,000 new 3-K seats across 56 zip codes – now doubled – as well as the City’s first free child care pilot program for municipal workers.  

  

The Mayor also announced that the primary model for 2-K programming will be full-day and full-year. This fall, New York City will launch the first 2,000 free 2-K seats in the City’s history. Applications for 2-K enrollment open June 2.