Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera

SENATOR RIVERA, ELECTED OFFICIALS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARRESTED DURING PROTEST AGAINST ICE AT 26 FEDERAL PLAZA

Yesterday, Senator Rivera, elected officials, advocates, and faith leaders held a protest against the anti-immigrant policies implemented by the Trump administration and carried out by ICE across the country. Senator Rivera and fellow elected officials demanded that detained individuals be treated humanely and that they comply with recent court orders.

The elected officials also demanded access to the holding cells at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, seeking to inspect whether federal authorities were complying with a preliminary injunction requiring them to address overcrowded, unsanitary, and inhumane conditions inside the facility.

The arrests occurred after an hour-long standoff, during which the elected officials refused to leave the hallway outside the lockup. Senator Rivera, Senator Julia Salazar, Senator Jabari Brisport, Assembly Members Jessica González-Rojas, Clare Valdez, Emily Gallagher, Tony Simone, Marcela Mitaynes, Steven Raga, and Robert Carroll, and City Comptroller Brad Lander were among the city and state officials arrested inside the building by federal agents. All were released after about an hour.

Senator Rivera released the following statement:

“This is the first time I’m getting arrested but it is nothing in comparison to what thousands of New Yorkers are experiencing when getting literally kidnapped off the streets or in the courthouse by ICE. I’m proud to stand with colleagues, advocates, and faith leaders who bravely put their bodies on the line to demand that our people are treated humanely and in accordance with the law. 

For the sake of communities like mine in the Bronx, we must pass New York For All. Our state and local authorities should not act as federal immigration officers. We cannot allow New York to be complicit in the Trump administration’s lawless deportation squad that is literally disappearing New Yorkers and separating families without mercy.

“As New York’s elected representatives, we must push back strongly and loudly against the Trump administration's unlawful and racist efforts. Today’s action is our way to show them that we will continue to demand justice, protection, and due process as enshrined in our Constitution for every New Yorker regardless of immigration status.”

This week, Senator Rivera continued presenting awards to organizations in his district. On Monday, the Senator joined Christina Hanson, the Executive Director of Part of the Solution (POTS), to present her with a $60,000 check in support of their management and substance abuse counseling services through the Dignity and Wellness program. Since opening its doors in 1982, POTS has offered a wide array of services to help Bronx residents in need become self-sufficient.

The funding secured by Senator Rivera will help boost one of POTS’ three programmatic pillars, its Dignity and Wellness program. This program offers services such as a mailroom, hot showers, haircuts, and access to medical, dental, and substance abuse counseling services. 

"We are deeply grateful to Senator Rivera for securing these critical funds for POTS. Our unhoused clients are in desperate need of support that extends beyond our essential wellness program. More than a shower and a haircut, these funds will allow us to help the most vulnerable of our clients have a chance at building more stable and hopeful lives. This partnership strengthens our ability to be here for our community, today and for the future,” said POTS’ Executive Director Christina Hanson. 

Also this week, Senator Gustavo Rivera joined Jesenia Ponce, Coordinating Attorney for Policy & Advocacy of the Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC), and staff to present them with a $67,500 check to support their wide array of free legal services, provided at no cost to local residents. 

Since 1979, NMIC has had a significant impact on housing, education, immigration, domestic violence support, and tenant organizing in Senator Rivera’s district. Over the years, NMIC has become one of Senator Rivera’s closest community partners. Since 2023, NMIC's monthly legal clinics at Senator Rivera’s district office have provided timely immigration and housing legal support to hundreds of constituents. 

In a district with a large immigrant community, NMIC’s immigration support services have been critical given the tumultuous immigration landscape unleashed by the Trump administration. In 2024 alone, NMIC’s clinics assisted 150 District 33 residents, 10 of whom obtained U.S. citizenship.

"We are deeply grateful to Senator Rivera for his partnership. His investment strengthens NMIC’s ability to provide crucial programs and services to community members, ensuring residents have access to the support they need to be empowered and to continue to build a strong, resilient community," said Jesenia Ponce, Coordinating Attorney for Policy & Advocacy of the Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation.

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS ELECTED OFFICIALS AND ORGANIZATIONS TO VOICE HIS SUPPORT FOR THE NEW YORK HEALTH ACT

This week, Senator Rivera joined elected officials and organizations at two events to promote the passage of his bill, the New York Health Act (NYHA).

First, the Senator attended the Bronx Healthcare Town Hall at Bronx Bethany Church and explained the benefits of the NYHA and how it could counter the effects of federal healthcare cuts. This event, organized by a coalition of organizations, also featured testimonies from people affected by the current healthcare system, presentations from organizations such as 1199 SEIU and the NYS Nurses Association (NYSNA), and a Q&A session with attendees.

On Tuesday, Senator Rivera joined the Campaign for NY Health for a press conference along with Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado, Senator Jabari Brisport, and Assembly Member Dana Levenberg, joined by labor leaders from the New York State Nurses Association, United Auto Workers Regions 9 & 9A, and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, and healthcare advocates from Citizen Action of New York, the Community Service Society came together to demand the passage of the New York Health Act.

This united front comes as the federal reconciliation bill (OBBBA) has set devastating healthcare cuts in motion that threaten to double New York’s uninsured population, force hospital and health center closures, skyrocket health insurance premiums for families, and leave a massive hole in New York’s state budget. The New York Health Act not only protects New Yorkers from these cuts, but ensures every resident has comprehensive coverage including medical, dental, vision, hearing, pharmaceuticals and long-term care, while filling the budget gap created by federal disinvestment. 

“Today more than ever, New Yorkers are struggling to access healthcare and to afford the high costs of health insurance and out of pocket costs. The New York Health Act is a common-sense solution that would guarantee healthcare for all New Yorkers, regardless of age, wealth, or immigration status. It would also protect our state from the ravages of Republican action in DC. We urgently need to pass this legislation to safeguard healthcare from the federal administration's Medicaid cuts and their draconian coverage eligibility changes that will go into effect over the next few years," said Senator Rivera.

SENATOR RIVERA PARTICIPATES IN 46TH PRECINCT'S MONTHLY MEETING

This week, Senator Rivera attended the 46th Precinct Community Council meeting, where he shared updates about his work in the community and his legislative priorities ahead of a challenging year in Albany. He also responded to questions from board members, neighbors, and representatives.

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS ONCE AGAIN PERRIGO'S TEAMSTERS LOCAL 210 IN SUPPORT OF THEIR LABOR DEMANDS

This week, Senator Rivera joined once again a rally organized by Teamsters Local 210 to express his solidarity with the over 200 employees on strike at Perrigo, the world’s largest private-label, over-the-counter (OTC) drug and consumer health products manufacturer. The strike began on September 2 and is over disagreements regarding benefits and the company's threat to replace the striking workers. Senator Rivera was pleased to learn that since he joined the picket line, a deal has been reached and the strike has ended.