DHS Releases Statement on Violent Rioters Assaulting ICE Officers in Los Angeles, CA and Calls on Democrat Politicians to Tone Down Dangerous Rhetoric About ICE

 

This violence against ICE must end 

Last night, over 1,000 rioters surrounded a federal law enforcement building and assaulted ICE law enforcement officers, slashed tires, defaced buildings, and taxpayer funded property. It took the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) 2 hours to respond.  

Our ICE enforcement officers are facing a 413% increase in assaults against them. Disturbingly, in recent days, ICE officers’ family members have been doxed and targeted as well. 

These riots in Los Angeles and increased assaults on ICE officers come after Democrat politicians, including Hakeem Jeffries, Mayor Wu of Boston, Tim Walz, and Mayor Bass of Los Angeles, have villainized and demonized ICE law enforcement.  

“The violent targeting of law enforcement in Los Angeles by lawless rioters is despicable and Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom must call for it to end. The men and women of ICE put their lives on the line to protect and defend the lives of American citizens,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Make no mistake, Democrat politicians like Hakeem Jeffries, Mayor Wu of Boston, Tim Walz, and Mayor Bass of Los Angeles are contributing to the surge in assaults of our ICE officers through their repeated vilification and demonization of ICE. From comparisons to the modern-day Nazi gestapo to glorifying rioters, the violent rhetoric of these sanctuary politicians is beyond the pale. This violence against ICE must end.” 

These activists and sanctuary politicians are choosing to side with criminals over American victims.  

Our ICE operations in LA this week have resulted in the arrest of 118 aliens, including 5 gang members, and those with prior criminal histories of: 

• Drug trafficking
• Assault
• Cruelty to children
• Domestic violence
• Robbery
• Alien smuggling

ICE has arrested 2,000 aliens a day this week and these violent activists won’t deter enforcement operations. 

The New York City Conflicts of Interest Board Announces Three Settlements.

 

 

Misuse of City Time & City Resources; Failure to Disclose. An Administrator in the Emergency Management and Services Department at the New York City Housing Authority (“NYCHA”) had a second job with Airbnb. Over a year and a half, the Administrator worked 1,334.5 overlapping hours at NYCHA and Airbnb, thus performing extensive work for Airbnb at times she was required to be performing work for NYCHA. The Administrator also used her NYCHA email account to send and receive 19 emails related to her work at Airbnb, including three in which she forwarded internal, but not confidential, NYCHA documents to her Airbnb supervisor. Finally, the Administrator, who was required to file an annual disclosure report with the Board, failed to disclose her position with Airbnb in her 2022 report. To resolve her violations, the now-former Administrator agreed to pay a $13,500 fine. The Disposition is attached as “COIB Disposition (NYCHA).”

 

Misuse of City Position & Misuse of City Personnel. In December 2022, the personal vehicle of the Chief of Collection, Recycling, and Organics at the New York City Department of Sanitation (“DSNY”) was damaged by a construction company while the vehicle was parked in a DSNY parking space and while the Chief was working for DSNY. The Chief paid $1,721.68 to a body shop to repair the damage to his personal vehicle. In an effort to recover money for this personal claim, he had a DSNY subordinate file a claim on his behalf with the New York City Comptroller’s Office and had the subordinate repeatedly follow up with the Comptroller’s Office; the subordinate did this at times he was required to be performing work for DSNY. To resolve his violations, the Chief agreed to pay a $3,500 fine. The Disposition is attached as “COIB Disposition (DSNY).”

 

Prohibited Gifts. A New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) Lieutenant supervised the operation of NYPD’s one airplane. As part of this work, the Lieutenant regularly communicated with CNC Technologies, an NYPD vendor that serviced the airplane. In July 2021, the Lieutenant went to the Airborne Public Safety Conference in New Orleans, despite not being selected by NYPD to attend the conference. Instead, the Lieutenant accepted from CNC hotel accommodations and conference admission valued collectively at $641.69. In so doing, the Lieutenant violated the prohibition on public servants accepting valuable gifts from City vendors. To resolve his violations, the now-former Lieutenant agreed to pay a $1,500 fine. The Disposition is attached as “COIB Disposition (NYPD).”

COIB is the independent, non-mayoral City agency charged with interpreting, administering, and enforcing the City's Conflicts of Interest Law, Annual Disclosure Law, Lobbyist Gift Law, Affiliated Not-for-Profits Law, and Legal Defense Trusts Law.

New York City Conflicts of Interest Board

2 Lafayette Street, Suite 1010

New York, NY 10007

(212) 442-1400

Air Quality Health Advisory Issued for Adirondacks, Eastern Lake Ontario, Central, AND Western New York Regions

 

In Effect for Saturday, June 7

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald are issuing an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulate matter on Saturday, June 7, 2025, for the Adirondacks, Eastern Lake Ontario, Central, and Western New York regions due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada.

The pollutant of concern is: Fine Particulate Matter

The advisory will be in effect 10 a.m. through 11:59 p.m.

The Air Quality Health Advisory regions consist of: Adirondacks, which includes Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, northern Herkimer, Lewis, St. Lawrence, and Warren counties; Eastern Lake Ontario, which includes northern Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Oswego, and Wayne counties; Central New York, which includes Allegany, Broome, southern Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, southern Herkimer, Livingston, Madison, Onondaga, Oneida, Ontario, Otsego, Tioga, Tompkins, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, and Yates, and Western New York, which includes Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. 

Fine Particulate Matter

Fine particulate matter (PM) consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. PM 2.5 can be made of many different types of particles and often come from processes that involve combustion (e.g., vehicle exhaust, power plants, and fires) and from chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

Exposure can cause short-term health effects, such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5.

When outdoor levels are elevated, going indoors may reduce exposure. If there are significant indoor sources of PM 2.5 (tobacco, candle or incense smoke, or fumes from cooking) levels inside may not be lower than outside. Some ways to reduce exposure are to minimize outdoor and indoor sources and avoid strenuous activities in areas where fine particle concentrations are high. Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website.

Additional information on PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5). A new DEC fact sheet about the Air Quality Index is also available on DEC’s website or by PDF download. 

Get Offline, Get Outside: Governor Hochul Announces 2025 “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day” Celebrations on Saturday, June 14

Inclusive and Accessible Family-Friendly Recreation at State Parks and DEC Lands Across New York State

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York’s “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day” celebrations will be held on Saturday, June 14 this year with events happening at more than 20 locations across New York State as part of the Governor's initiative to “Get Offline, Get Outside,” and to ensure inclusivity of access to state public lands. The events bring people of all abilities, ages, identities, and backgrounds together for a day of fun and healthy activities.

“Get Outdoors & Get Together Day is an opportunity for every New Yorker to visit our world-renowned state parks and public lands, and gather with family and friends while learning something new,” Governor Hochul said. “My Administration has prioritized accessibility and our state parks and lands are here for all New Yorkers to enjoy, no matter their background or abilities. Everyone is welcome.”

This year’s event is hosted by the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Perseveration (Parks), in partnership with the Office of the Chief Disability Officer, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), the Department of Veterans' Services (DVS), the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs.

At 23 locations across the state, participants will be encouraged to discover new skills and enjoy a range of introductory-level outdoor recreation activities such as fishing, nature walks and hikes, birding, archery, paddling, camping demonstrations, and more. Each event will highlight ways to enjoy the outdoors safely and sustainably. All locations will offer a selection of accessible activities, and use of adaptive equipment and demonstrations will be provided at many sites, including trail and beach mobility aids, archery assist stands, arm supports for fishing, and more. Certain sites will also feature sample assistive technology device loans from New York’s regional Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID) centers.

New York's Get Outdoors & Get Together Day coincides with National Get Outdoors Day, an annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. Most “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day” celebrations will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., with a few exceptions. Exact times and locations are available on the Parks and DEC websites.

2025 DEC-led Programs:

• Capital Region: Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (Albany County)
• Eastern Adirondacks: Scaroon Manor Campground and Day Use Area (Warren County)
• Catskills: Kenneth L. Wilson Campground (Ulster County)
• Catskills: Catskills Visitor Center (Ulster County)
• Catskills: North - South Lake Campground and Day Use Area (Greene County)
• Central New York: Kenneth P. Lynch Boat Launch/Onondaga Lake (Onondaga County)
• Hudson Valley: Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center (Dutchess County)
• Hudson Valley: Norrie Point Environmental Education Center (Dutchess County)
• Long Island: Hempstead Lake State Park in conjunction with State Parks (Nassau County)
• New York City: Mt. Loretto Unique Area (Richmond County)
• Western Finger Lakes: Mendon Ponds Park in conjunction with the ADK Outdoor Expo (Monroe County)
• Western Adirondacks: Lowville Forestry Demonstration Area (Lewis County)
• Western New York: Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center in conjunction with State Parks (Erie County)

Activities at DEC facilities may include the following:

• Camping 101: Visitors can try their hand at camping basics by pitching a tent on the lawn and learning how to pack for a camping trip.
• Birding: Participants can learn how easy and fun it is to enjoy birdwatching almost anywhere.
• Hiking: Participants can take a short hike and learn the basics of finding the perfect trails on their own.
• Outdoor safety: Learn the basics of being prepared and safe so all outdoor adventures are good ones.
• Accessible outdoor recreation: Experience and learn about accessible outdoor recreation opportunities on State lands including hiking, camping, birding, fishing and boating.
• Select locations will also include I Fish NY catch-and-release clinics with rods and reels available for loan, introductory paddling on the water, and introductory archery, including important safety tips.

Wheelchair-accessible features, including restrooms, as well as activities and select recreation opportunities are offered at all locations. Please contact the event coordinator directly with accommodation requests and to find out about the adaptive equipment and activities offered at each site. Details, including schedules and activity lists, can be found on the DEC's website on the “Outdoors Day” page.

2025 State Parks-led Programs:

• Allegany Region: Allegany State Park (Cattaraugus County)
• Saratoga/Capital District Region: Saratoga Spa State Park (Saratoga County)
• Central Region: Chenango Valley State Park (Broome County)
• Finger Lakes Region: Taughannock Falls State Park (Tompkins County)
• Genesee Region: Darien Lakes State Park (Genesee County)
• Long Island Region: Hempstead Lake State Park in conjunction with DEC (Nassau County)
• Long Island Region: Sunken Meadow State Park (Suffolk County)
• New York City Region: Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park (New York County)
• Palisades Region: Sterling Forest State Park (Orange County)
• Taconic Region: Lake Taghkanic State Park (Columbia County)
• Thousand Islands Region: Southwick Beach State Park (Jefferson County)
• Niagara Region: Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center in conjunction with DEC (Erie County)

Program and scheduling details for each location can be found by visiting parks.ny.gov. No parking fee will be charged during event times. For details about visitor amenities at each location, visit parks.ny.gov.

The New York City and Long Island events located at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park, Mount Loretto Unique Area, Hempstead Lake State Park, and Sunken Meadow State Park are very popular, and there is no parking available for oversized vans accommodating larger groups at these sites with the exception of Sunken Meadow State Park. If you have a bus or oversized van you need to park at any park or DEC site, please contact the facility directly to inquire about parking availability in advance of your arrival.

The Department of Environmental Conservation manages five million acres of public lands, including three million acres in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve, 55 campgrounds and day-use areas, more than 5,000 miles of formal trails and hundreds of trailheads, boat launches, and fishing piers. Plan your next outdoor adventure and connect with us on Facebook, Bluesky, X, Flickr and Instagram.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518-474-0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.

The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities provides high quality person-centered support and services to people with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurological impairments. OPWDD provides services directly and through a network of not-for-profit providers. OPWDD's mission is to help people live richer lives that include meaningful relationships, good health, personal growth and a home that supports them to participate in their community. For more information visit opwdd.ny.gov or connect with us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services proudly serves New York’s Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families, connecting them with benefits, services, and support. All who served should contact the Department at 888-838-7697 or via its website – veterans.ny.gov – to meet in-person or virtually with an accredited Veterans Benefits Advisor to receive the benefits they have earned. Follow DVS on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

The New York State Office of Mental Health is committed to promoting the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a particular focus on providing hope and recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances. The agency oversees a large, multi-faceted mental health system serving nearly 800,000 individuals annually. OMH operates 3,597 inpatient beds at 23 psychiatric centers statewide, while also overseeing the Nathan S. Kline Institute and New York Psychiatric Institute. In addition, the agency is tasked with regulating, certifying, and overseeing more than 6,500 programs operated by local governments and nonprofit agencies, which are dedicated to serving individuals and families living with mental illness.

The Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs was established in 2013 by the Protection of People with Special Needs Act. The agency was created to restore public trust in the institutions and individuals charged with caring for vulnerable populations by protecting the health, safety, and dignity of all people with special needs. For more information on the agency, visit: justicecenter.ny.gov. 

Six Men Sentenced For Illegally Transmitting More Than $15 Million Dollars Using Halawa Network

 

Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced that HIRENKUMAR PATEL, the last of six defendants in a case involving an unlicensed money transmitting business that illegally sent millions of dollars in cash throughout the U.S. and between the U.S. and India, was sentenced to 21 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas.  PATEL previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business and one count of operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business on September 12, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Victoria Reznik. 

“The anonymous transmission of money is a linchpin of international criminal activity, whether hacking, drug dealing, sex trafficking, or terrorism” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Unlicensed money transmission organizations, like the ‘halawa’ network operated by Patel and his cohorts, are tailor made for supporting international criminal activity.  Together with our law enforcement partners, we will seek to shut down these unlicensed networks and stop the flow of dirty money to criminals who do harm to Americans from abroad.” 

FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said: “These six defendants engaged in an unregulated money transferring scheme responsible for illegally transmitting $15 million in less than a year.  Illicit financial schemes like this one cause damage to our economic system that extends beyond the directly involved bad actors.  The sentencings announced today demonstrate the FBI’s commitment to ensuring those who attempt to carry out illegal financial schemes face the repercussions in the criminal justice system.”

According to allegations contained in the Complaint, the Information, court filings, and public court proceedings:

In or about April 2021, law enforcement identified a vendor (“Vendor”) on the dark web who was offering, in exchange for a fee, a service to convert cryptocurrency into cash.  The Vendor indicated to an undercover agent that some of his clients made money by selling drugs, his wealthiest clients were hackers, and that he had made approximately $30 million over the prior three years through the conversion of cryptocurrency to cash.

In or about February 2023, law enforcement began working with a confidential source and learned that the Vendor was using a “hawala”[1] to obtain the cash that was ultimately exchanged for the cryptocurrency.  As part of this hawala, several of the defendants collected cash along the East Coast of the U.S., which was later delivered to an individual who mailed the cash to the Vendor’s customers.  All six defendants participated in the delivery of, and/or coordinated the delivery of, the collected cash.  The persons who supplied the cash for collection, in turn, used the hawala to have their cash converted into rupees delivered to designated individuals in India.

Of the approximately $15 million sent through the hawala between in or about February 2023 and in or about September 2023, PATEL was responsible for participating in 42 deliveries of bags of cash totaling more than $7.7 million.  Neither PATEL nor his co-defendants were licensed or registered to operate as a money transmitting business in New York or under federal law.

A chart containing the names of the defendants, the charges they were convicted of, and the sentences they received is set forth below.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky in connection with this investigation.

Defendant	Age	Convictions	Sentence
Rajendrakumar Patel	52	Conspiracy to Operate an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business and Operation of an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business	27 months in prison
Brijeshkumar Patel	32	Conspiracy to Operate an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business and Operation of an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business	18 months in prison
Hirenkumar Patel	40	Conspiracy to Operate an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business and Operation of an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business	21 months in prison
Naineshkumar Patel	51	Conspiracy to Operate an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business and Operation of an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business	12 months and one day in prison
Nileshkumar Patel	33	Conspiracy to Operate an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business and Operation of an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business	3 years of probation
Shaileshkumar Goyani	36	Conspiracy to Operate an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business and Operation of an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business	Time served

New York State Announces 12th Annual Invasive Species Awareness Week Begins June 9

 

Free Public Events Scheduled across New York State to Engage and Educate New Yorkers about Invasive Species

The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Agriculture and Markets (AGM) and New York Sea Grant (NYSG) announced that the State's 12^th annual Invasive Species Awareness Week (ISAW) begins Monday, June 9. Free public events, including webinars, hands-on workshops, guided hikes and paddles, and invasive species challenges will be offered online and across the state from June 9 to 15. Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation designating ISAW (PDF) to support the annual campaign to encourage New Yorkers to learn more and participate in the fight against the negative impacts of invasive species.

“Invasive Species Awareness Week is an opportunity to further educate and engage New Yorkers about the need to protect our environment, economy, and public health from the risks posed by invasive species,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “Invasive species jeopardize the health of our native plant and animal communities, as well as the open spaces New Yorkers cherish for recreation, biodiversity, beauty, and the well-being of our communities. Working together, we can help safeguard New York’s rich biodiversity and ensure the resilience of our natural resources."  

"We work closely with our fellow State agencies to combat the spread of harmful invasive species that can damage our agricultural crops, trees, and natural habitats,” State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said. We’re grateful to the New Yorkers that have been instrumental in helping the State keep a watchful eye out for these invasive species of all kinds. With their assistance, we have been able to better monitor and, as a result, slow the spread of these invasives. We encourage citizens to join us during Invasive Species Awareness Week to learn more about how they can help to spot, identify, and protect against these non-native species."

Invasive species are plants, animals, insects, and pathogens that are not native to an area and cause harm to the environment, agriculture, economy, or public health. New York is particularly vulnerable to these pests due to its role as a center for international trade and travel.  

To participate in an ISAW event, visit the NY Invasive Species Awareness Week 2025 page on the nyis.info website to find a complete list of offerings. Registration information and full event details can be found by clicking on individual events. On Monday, June 9, New York Sea Grant will provide an overview of how to use the newly redesigned nyis.info website, which provides easy access to resources and information for addressing invasive species infestations and impacts.

DEC leads a comprehensive program to promote education, research, management, and control related to invasive species across New York State. This includes aquatic invasive species like hydrilla, round goby, and northern snakehead, as well as terrestrial plants including giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed, and kudzu. DEC also tracks and manages forest pests such as southern pine beetle, beech leaf disease, and hemlock wooly adelgid. DEC works with numerous partners and administers eight New York State Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISMs), which educate residents and visitors about how everyone can protect their lands, water, and forests from invasive species. ISAW educates New Yorkers to together to spread the word, not the species.

AGM works to control and eradicate various invasive species, such as spotted lanternfly, European cherry fruit fly, and Asian longhorned beetle, which can harm New York’s agricultural crops, particularly grapes, hops, and fruit trees. Staff conduct annual surveys for each of these pests and inspect the state’s nearly 9,000 greenhouses, retail markets, and nursery growers and dealers for compliance with invasive plant regulations. Horticultural inspectors also monitor for invasive pests and diseases, such as European pepper moth and boxwood blight that are harmful to New York’s lands. Learn more about the invasive species that are a concern for New York agriculture at agriculture.ny.gov/plant-industry/plant-health.   

NYSG provides science-based information, education, curricula, and research related to aquatic invasive species and to promote coastal vitality, environmental sustainability, and citizen awareness of New York State’s marine and Great Lakes resources. Updates on NYSG activities are available at nyseagrant.org and on Facebook, X, and YouTube.

In the recently enacted FY 2025-26 State Budget, Governor Hochul increased the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to a record $425 million, the highest level of funding in the program's history. EPF funding is a critical resource for environmental programs such as land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species prevention and eradication, recreation access, water quality improvement, and environmental justice projects. The budget includes a renewed $18.5 million in funding to manage invasive species.

Everyone can make a difference in the fight against invasives by helping to locate and map infestations, using only local firewood, properly cleaning watercraft before and after boating, cleaning dirt off boots after hiking, or removing invasive species from the yard. To learn more about invasive species and how to get involved, visit DEC's website.

Comptroller Lander’s Survey of Over 600 School Principals Reveals Major Gaps in Afterschool Access for Students with Disabilities

 

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander surveyed over 600 school principals, revealing that the City’s afterschool programs left out students with disabilities. The report finds that schools serving students with the most intensive needs—especially District 75 schools—lack access to core afterschool funding, appropriate vendors, and basic bus transportation.  

With 62,000 students relying on IEP-mandated busing, the report raises major red flags about the equity of Mayor Adams’s proposed “universal” afterschool expansion—and outlines a clear roadmap for fixing it, including rebidding the City’s school bus contracts to secure reliable, inclusive transportation. With the State legislative session wrapping up and the City’s school bus contracts set to expire on June 30th, the report calls on both City and State leaders to take urgent action to finally address this long-standing gap in afterschool access as the City designs and rolls out its universal afterschool program. 

“Afterschool programs are essential for student success and support working families” said Comptroller Brad Lander. “The Mayor’s promise of universal afterschool rings hollow while his administration fails to meet the needs of students with disabilities who make up more than one-in-five of all New York City public school children. For the City’s ‘Afterschool for All’ initiative to live up to its name, City Hall must treat the inclusion of students with disabilities as a core commitment, not an afterthought.” 

Comptroller Lander released the report on Thursday morning ahead of the All Means ALL rally in front of City Hall, joined by leaders from Advocates for Children of New York, Alliance for Quality Education, Arise Coalition, Center for Independence of the Disabled (NY), the Citywide Council for District 75, Include NYC, Inter Agency Council, New York Appleseed, Parents to Improve School Transportation, and others. The rally highlighted the systemic barriers students with disabilities face including afterschool access, inaccessible school buildings and a shortage of special education preschool seats—within a chronically under-resourced school system that often falls short of their legally mandated needs.  

Mayor Adams’ recently announced $331 million investment to expand afterschool programming, which was billed as a response to growing demand amid the City’s growing affordability crisis. However, the Mayor’s proposal overlooks students with disabilities, ignores the chronic systemic issues with funding and transportation, and still falls short of meeting the citywide need. Twenty-two percent of public school students with disabilities—including the 60,000 students with Individual Education Plan (IEP) mandated school bus transportation—face acute afterschool needs. According to the Comptroller’s survey of over 600 school principals, only 74% of District 75 respondents reported having any afterschool programming at all, compared to 93% of other schools. 100% of District 75 respondents cited lack of bus transportation as a major barrier to participation. The City’s 46-year-old bus contracts exclude afterschool service entirely, effectively locking out thousands of students.  

At the same time, the City’s primary source for after school funding is through the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), which partners with community-based organizations that often lack the capacity to serve students with complex needs, however DYCD excludes District 75 programs and leaves schools to cover afterschool programming out of their own limited budgets to pay their own staff per session to provide afterschool programming. As a result, the Mayor’s planned expansion of DYCD funding through his Afterschool for All program fails to address the specific needs of students with disabilities and will leaves tens of thousands of students without access to the very programs it promises to expand.  

Key Findings 

To better understand the City’s existing afterschool ecosystem, the Comptroller’s Office surveyed more than 600 public school principals and analyzed historical school bus performance data released publicly by the Department of Education (DOE) data: 

• Twenty-six percent of District 75 schools lack after-school programs, compared to just 7% of schools elsewhere.  

• Nearly a third of all survey respondents and 100% of District 75 respondents named the lack of school bus transportation as a barrier to student afterschool participation. 

• DOE provides contracted school bus service to 145,000 students, including an estimated 60,000 students with disabilities who have IEP mandated transportation—this number grew 9% over the last three school years. 

• The Mayor’s plan expects to increase the total number of publicly funded afterschool seats to 220,351 students, however, the Comptroller’s office estimates schools will need 392,000 additional afterschool seats. Given the number of students with IEPs that rely on bus service, and estimated 15% of these unfunded seats represent students with disabilities.  

Transportation remains a key barrier to access. Unfortunately, DOE’s outdated bus contracts, many virtually untouched since 1979, fail to provide adequate service and do not cover afterschool, weekend programs, or Summer Rising. A 2011 State Cout of Appeals decision blocks DOE from rebidding these contracts and including critical labor protections. The report underscores that the passage of Senate bill S1018/Assembly bill A8440 at the state level, would empower DOE to competitively rebid and modernize its contracts.  

Key Recommendations 

Comptroller Lander urges the City and State to build toward a truly universal system of afterschool that includes all students with disabilities. 

• Create dedicated afterschool funding for District 75 programs 

• Survey schools annually on afterschool needs 

• Increase City Council investment in the Cultural Afterschool Adventures (CASA) arts program, with a focus on District 75 programs.  

• Pilot a specialized Multiple Task Award Contract (MTAC) to help District 75 schools access appropriate afterschool vendors 

• Collaborate with the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) to offer afterschool per session bonuses for special education staff 

Rebid Bus Contracts: 

• Pass New York State Legislative bill S1018/A8440, to allow DOE to use employee protection provisions in new bus contracts.  

• Until this legislation is passed, the NYC DOE should avoid long-term extensions when the school bus contracts expire in June 2025 to keep the door open for a rebid that includes stronger worker protections and afterschool service. 

• Competitively rebid school bus contracts with updated terms, including afterschool, Summer Rising, and Saturday service 

Students with disabilities face systemic barriers far beyond after-school access—from inaccessible buildings to a shortage of special education preschool seats—within a chronically under-resourced school system that often fails to meet their legally mandated needs. For the Mayor’s universal afterschool plan to live up to its name, the City must fix the unresolved funding and transportation issues that prevent students with disabilities from participating in afterschool programs. 

 Read the Comptroller’s report: https://comptroller.nyc.gov/reports/stranded-after-school/