https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8duUS6Laus
This week on Talking Politics, Anthony needs to get checked out, so my guest is Irene Guanill candidate for the 82nd Assembly District. In the second half World politics, the latest on the Iran War, NYPD stats, which tax raise will we get, live at 12 PM Friday or anytime at the link above.
I met with Tom Homan to make a straightforward appeal: Help us keep New Yorkers safe by ending aggressive and unlawful ICE operations in this state. No more militarized raids, no more plans for large-scale detention centers and no more attacks on law-abiding people who call New York home.
“President Trump promised he would not engage in a federal immigration enforcement surge in New York unless we ask for it — and I made clear to Homan today that the request would never come.
“New York will always work with federal immigration enforcement to take dangerous criminals off our streets, but every law enforcement agency operating in this state, federal or otherwise, must follow the same constitutional standards. That's why I’ve proposed legislation that would keep ICE out of sensitive locations like schools, health care facilities and houses of worship, and protects the constitutional rights afforded to everyone in our state.
“ICE and federal law enforcement should focus on what they were created to do: Protecting the homeland from real threats, not creating new ones.”
The federal search warrants were based on an ongoing drug trafficking investigation into Amador Sanchez and several co-conspirators. The investigation revealed Sanchez utilized multiple residences, including at least one residence in each of the Tri-Cities, to facilitate and conceal his illegal activities. Notably, Sanchez was on federal supervised release stemming from a previous federal drug trafficking conviction. The investigation is ongoing and Indictments are expected to be presented to a federal grand jury.
In total, approximately over 200 pounds of methamphetamine, over 164 pounds of powdered fentanyl, and over 5 pounds of cocaine were seized along with approximately $2,000,000 in U.S. Currency and 16 firearms were seized. Please note these are preliminary estimates.
“This historic seizure, the largest in the history of the Eastern District of Washington, marks significant progress toward a Fentanyl Free America,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “The extraordinary amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine removed from the Tri-Cities area would have devastated families and communities. Through strong enforcement, strategic partnerships, and increased public awareness, DEA remains unwavering in its commitment to disrupt the fentanyl supply chain and save American lives.”
“Removing this historic quantity of poison from our community is a true testament to the dedication, partnerships and tireless efforts of our team and our law enforcement partners,” said First Assistant Pete Serrano. “Removing this quantity of drugs, guns, and money from our communities will save lives – protecting the public will always be the top priority of my office and our state and federal partners. This is another example of excellent law enforcement collaboration and commitment to public safety.”
A federal jury convicted Asif Merchant, also known as “Asif Raza Merchant,” of murder for hire and attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries. Merchant was a trained operative of the Iranian government’s global terrorist force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Merchant admitted at trial that the IRGC sent him to the United States to arrange for political assassinations and steal documents, but law enforcement foiled the plot before any attack could be carried out. Merchant arrived in the United States in April of 2024, met with purported hitmen in June—who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers in New York—and was placed under arrest before leaving the country in July of 2024. Merchant faces up to life in prison.
“This man landed on American soil hoping to kill President Trump — instead, he was met with the might of American law enforcement,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Department of Justice will remain ever-vigilant to protect Americans, prosecute terrorists, and halt acts of terrorism before they happen.”
“Merchant tried to hire someone to kill a politician or a U.S. government official, but the FBI and our partners stopped that deadly plot,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This was not the first attempt by Iran to harm our citizens on U.S. soil; the other efforts also failed. Let this verdict serve as a reminder that the FBI is committed to detecting such threats and preventing acts of violence, and we will hold accountable anyone who tries to interfere with our democratic system.”
“Merchant, a trained Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps operative, entered the United States intending to commit acts of terror, and ultimately, to facilitate the assassination of U.S. government officials, including President Trump,” said Assistant Attorney General for National security John A. Eisenberg. “Merchant’s plot struck at the heart of our democracy and our commitment to the rule of law. NSD remains committed to defending our Nation from the pernicious threat of terrorism.”
“Iran’s terrorist regime sent Asif Merchant here to sow mayhem and murder,” stated United States Attorney Nocella for the Eastern District of New York. “Thanks to the vigilance of our law enforcement partners, his scheme ended in failure. Today, with Merchant’s conviction, that failure is complete. This Office will always remain vigilant in our mission to protect the United States from foreign terrorist adversaries. ”
As set forth in trial exhibits and testimony, including the defendant’s own testimony, Merchant began working for the IRGC in Pakistan in late 2022 or early 2023, when he received training in tradecraft, including countersurveillance. Later in 2023, he was sent to the United States to look for potential IRGC recruits who could stay behind in the United States. Merchant testified that he knew that the IRGC was a designated terrorist organization. Throughout this period, Merchant repeatedly traveled to Iran to meet with his IRGC handler.
Merchant testified that in 2024, he was sent back to the United States with a new mission: to recruit “Mafia” members to steal documents, stage a protest, and arrange the murder of one of three specific U.S. government officials and politicians. To that end, Merchant contacted an acquaintance in New York who he thought could help him with his scheme. That person, Nadeem Ali, instead reported Merchant’s conduct to law enforcement and became a confidential source.
In early June, Merchant met Ali in New York and explained his assassination plot. Merchant told Ali that he had an ongoing opportunity for him and then made a “finger gun” motion with his hand, indicating that the opportunity was related to a killing. Merchant further stated that the intended victims would be “targeted here,” in the United States. Merchant instructed Ali to arrange meetings with individuals whom Merchant could hire to carry out these actions. Merchant explained that his plot involved multiple criminal schemes: (1) stealing documents or USB drives from a target’s home; (2) planning a protest; and (3) killing a politician or government official.
At that meeting, Merchant began planning potential assassination scenarios and quizzed Ali on how he would kill a target in the various scenarios. Specifically, Merchant asked Ali to explain how the target would die in different scenarios. Merchant told Ali that there would be “security [] all around” the person.
Merchant stated that the assassination would occur after he left the United States and he would communicate with Ali from overseas using code words. Ali asked whether Merchant had spoken to the unidentified “party” back home with whom Merchant was working. Merchant responded that he had and that the party back home told him to “finalize” the plan and leave the United States. Merchant would later testify that the “party” was his IRGC handler.
In mid-June, Merchant met with the purported hitmen, who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers (the UCs) in New York. Merchant advised the UCs that he was looking for three services from them: theft of documents, arranging protests at political rallies and for them to kill a “political person.” Merchant stated that the hitmen would receive instructions on who to kill after Merchant had departed the United States.
Throughout this period, Merchant performed internet searches for the locations of political rallies and sent reports back to his IRGC handler regarding security protocols at rallies.
Merchant then began arranging means to obtain $5,000 in cash to pay the UCs as an advance payment for the assassination, which he eventually received with assistance from an individual overseas. On June 21, Merchant met with the UCs in New York and paid them the $5,000 advance. After Merchant paid the $5,000 to the UCs, one of the UCs stated, “now we’re bonded,” to which Merchant responded “yes.” The UC then stated “Now we know we’re going forward. We’re doing this,” to which Merchant responded “Yes, absolutely.”
Merchant subsequently made flight arrangements and planned to leave the United States on Friday, July 12, 2024. On that day, law enforcement agents placed Merchant under arrest before he could leave the country.
The FBI’s Field Offices in Dallas, Houston, Tampa, Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago and Albany for partnered in the investigation of this case. The New York City Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection assisted with the investigation.
The case is being handled by the Office’s National Security & Cybercrime Section for the Eastern District of New York.
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SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY
SENATOR RIVERA HOSTS ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENT AT TRACEY TOWERS!
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Last week, Senator Rivera celebrated Black History Month at Tracey Towers. The celebration honored Black excellence and history and featured live music from the Morrisania Band Project who performed R&B and soul classics.
Thank you to Ms. Jean Hill for her support in making this event an annual celebration, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark for stopping by, and to the Morrisania Band for such an amazing performance!
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This week, Senator Rivera's office hosted a second Rent Freeze and Homeowner Tax Break Screening Day for constituents who were unable to attend last week’s event at Part of the Solution (POTS).
Thank you to the Department of Finance for assisting constituents with initial and renewal applications for SCRIE, DRIE, and SCHE! Need help applying for a rent freeze or a property tax break? Call our office to find out if you're eligible: 718-933-2034.
SENATOR RIVERA JOINS THE LAUNCH OF WORTHY AT THE HARVARD CLUB NYC
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This week, Senator Rivera attended the launch of Worthy Initiative, hosted by Paul Markovich, President and CEO of Ascendiun, the parent company of Blue Shield of California. During the event, Paul Markovich hosted Mark Cuban, founder and CEO of Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC), for a discussion on the Worthy initiative and efforts to reform the healthcare system to be more patient centered.
During this event, Senator Rivera raised awareness on the New York Health Act (S.3425) and asked both Paul Markovich and Mark Cuban about their thoughts and plans to fight for comprehensive, high quality healthcare in New York and across the country.
SENATOR RIVERA JOINS NYC DSA TAX THE RICH RALLY
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Senator Rivera joined advocacy groups and colleagues at a rally outside City Hall calling on the Executive and Legislature to include statewide revenue proposals and the Fair Share Act in the state budget.
Senator Rivera strongly believes that we must pass proposals that make the wealthiest New Yorkers and corporations pay their fair share. Senator Rivera is proud to sponsor S.1439, which would fairly tax long-term capital gains for the top 1%.
Senator Rivera is a proud supporter of the Invest in Our New York (IONY) campaign to make billionaires and corporations pay their fair share. Learn more about IONY's 2026 Revenue Agenda here.
SENATOR RIVERA IN ALBANY
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This week, Senator Rivera joined the Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS) at a press conference to shed light on the impact that federal Medicaid cuts and changes in Medicaid eligibility will have on community health centers (CHCs), especially since they are on the front line of improving health disparities.
During the press conference, Senator Rivera spoke about the need for reasonable investment in this year's budget and mentioned two of his bills that support community health centers, including S.3359 and the 340B Prescription Drug Anti-Discrimination Act.
Thank you to CHCANYS for their continued advocacy and commitment to providing essential health services to New Yorkers in need.
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This week, the Senate Majority advanced a package of legislation that upholds scientific standards, expands access to vaccinations, and further empowers our state’s health care providers to administer vaccines and immunizations to New Yorkers.
As the federal Department of Health seeks to remove vaccinations from standardized immunization schedules, this package also incorporates legislation that would require insurance providers and Medicaid to continue covering certain vaccines and immunizations, protecting insurance coverage for New Yorkers.
The legislation being passed by the Senate Democratic Majority includes:
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS & RESOURCES
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Join the Physicians for a National Health Program - NY Metro (PNHP), the Montefiore Social Medicine program, unions, and other partner organizations at their 2026 New York Health Act Lobby Day on Tuesday, March 17th! Senator Rivera is the proud sponsor of the New York Health Act (S.3425), which would establish a universal, single-payer healthcare system in New York State. With 33 Senate co-sponsors and 73 Assembly co-sponsors, New Yorkers need to make clear to legislators that the New York Health Act is necessary now because it will make healthcare a guarantee for everyone. Sharing your personal stories, as patients and caregivers, is a powerful way to show how this transformational policy will be. |
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In January 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed Executive Order 08, establishing NYC's first-ever "Rental Ripoff Hearings." These hearings will give New Yorkers across all five boroughs a direct platform to share their housing experiences in conversations with City officials to help shape housing policy. New Yorkers can discuss the challenges they face, from poor conditions and repair delays to unconscionable business practices and non-rent fees. City leaders from agencies focused on tenant stability, housing quality, and consumer protection will be there to listen. This is your chance to tell City government what's working, what isn't, and what needs to change.
The Bronx Rental Ripoff Hearing will take place next Wednesday, March 11. Unfortunately, pre-registration for this hearing is full. However, the City of New York still wants to hear from you. Please submit your testimony online.
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DEADLINE 3/19: CUNY TEACHING FELLOWS PROGRAM: APPLY FOR THE 2026 COHORT!
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