DHS Reveals Suspects Connected to Explosive Device at MacDill Air Force Base Are Children of Illegal Aliens

Case highlights grave danger of granting birthright citizenship to children of illegal aliens​ 

Today, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested the illegal alien parents of Ann Mary Zheng and Alen Zheng – two siblings who are connected to the attempted attack on March 10 on the MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida.

According to the Department of Justice, Ann Mary Zheng was charged “with assisting after the fact related to her brother, Alen Zheng, placing an improvised explosive device at the MacDill Air Force Base Visitor’s Center in Tampa and evidence tampering.” The DOJ added that “Ann Mary Zheng, knowing that her brother, Alen Zheng, had attempted to damage government property by fire or explosion, assisted him in order to hinder and prevent his apprehension, trial, and punishment.”

The alleged perpetrators of this attack on a U.S. Air Force base were born in the U.S. after their parents illegally entered the country. The attempted attack illustrates why the improper recognition of “birthright citizenship” for children of illegal aliens is not only inconsistent with the Constitution, but endangers all Americans.

“Automatically granting citizenship to children of illegal aliens born in the U.S. is based on a historically inaccurate interpretation of the Citizenship Clause and poses a major national security risk. That reality became apparent last week when two U.S.-born children of Chinese illegal aliens were indicted for planting a potentially deadly explosive device outside MacDill Air Force Base in Florida,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “This incident underscores the severe national security threat that illegal immigration and birth right citizenship pose to the United States.”

Ann Mary Zheng was arrested by federal authorities upon her return from China. Authorities believe her brother Alen Zheng is still in China.

Ann Mary Zheng

In wake of the investigation, on March 18, ICE apprehended both parents, who remain in ICE custody. The parents, Qiu Qin Zou and Jia Zhang Zheng, illegally entered the U.S. at an unknown place.

Qiu Qin Zou

In 1993, they both applied for asylum, but an immigration judge denied those claims and ordered both Zheng and Zou removed from the U.S. in 1998. The Bureau of Immigration Appeals denied multiple attempts by the pair to have their case reopened, but they illegally remained in the U.S. for decades despite being ordered removed almost 30 years ago.

Jia Zhang Zheng

On day one in office, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order, titled, “Protecting the Meaning and Value of Citizenship.” President Trump added, “The privilege of United States citizenship is a priceless and profound gift.” And yet, that sacred honor has been abused because previous—and incorrect—interpretation of the law has allowed birthright citizenship—meant for children of slaves after the Civil War—to be granted to any child of an illegal alien. That executive order is now being challenged in the Supreme Court.

Under President Trump and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, DHS will continue to ensure that our entire immigration system—legal and illegal—puts the American people first.

Image

Image

Portland Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

 

A Portland, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison Thursday for his role in an interstate drug trafficking organization.

Luis Garcia Zurita, 38, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.

According to court documents, Garcia Zurita was both an interstate drug transporter and local distributor for a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization operating in Portland. In June 2024, investigators used an informant to set up a controlled purchase with Garcia Zurita. Investigators began monitoring the Dodge Ram used to deliver the cocaine during a controlled delivery, which was registered to Garcia Zurita.

In August 2024, the truck traveled to Los Angeles, California, where it stayed only hours before returning north back to Oregon, consistent with a drug resupply run. Suspecting this was a narcotics pick-up, investigators arrested Garcia Zurita leaving a restaurant and found over $4,000 in cash and the keys to his Ram. Investigators were granted a search warrant and found 4,345 grams of fentanyl pills and 2,015 grams of cocaine.

On March 5, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Garcia Zurita with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.

On December 1, 2025, Garcia Zurita pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF). It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul T. Maloney.

CCITF, led by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, works to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in and around Clackamas County, and reduce illegal drugs and related crimes throughout the community. The task force is comprised of members of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Canby Police Department, Oregon State Police, FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations. CCITF is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives. 

Seized fentanyl and cocaine.

Executive of Indian Chemical Company Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Smuggling Fentanyl Precursor Chemicals

 

In First of its Kind Guilty Plea, Indian Citizen Admits He Smuggled Fentanyl Precursor Chemicals into the United States Knowing They Would Be Used to Manufacture Fentanyl

Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Bhavesh Lathiya pleaded guilty today to distributing and smuggling fentanyl precursor chemicals to the United States.  Lathiya was the leader and founder of Raxuter Chemicals, a company based in Surat, India, that illegally sold and smuggled more than 50 pounds of chemicals commonly used to manufacture fentanyl.  This guilty plea marks the first felony conviction of an India-based supplier of fentanyl precursor chemicals.  Today’s proceeding was held before United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen. When sentenced, Lathiya faces up to 40 years’ imprisonment. 

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York), announced the guilty plea.

“The defendant admitted supplying the essential ingredients to make fentanyl, knowing just what they would be used for,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “Our Office is committed to targeting every link in the fentanyl supply chain.  We will continue to vigorously prosecute these purveyors of poison, both here and abroad, who are responsible for fueling our nation’s opioid epidemic without any regard for the extreme harm they are causing.  The Administration, mindful that fentanyl is the leading cause of death for American ages 18 to 45, has prioritized protecting our communities from this lethal scourge.” 

Mr. Nocella thanked the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs for its assistance.

“Fentanyl has devastated countless families and communities across our country. Homeland Security Investigations is using every available resource to dismantle the drug trafficking networks that smuggle this poison into our country. Today’s landmark plea demonstrates HSI’s unwavering commitment to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling the fentanyl supply chain at every level, both at home and abroad. HSI and its partners will continue to pursue those responsible and will hold the individuals and organizations driving this crisis accountable,” stated HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Alfonso.

Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat currently facing the United States.  It is a highly addictive synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.  Fentanyl is designated as a Schedule II controlled substance and various precursor chemicals that are used to produce fentanyl are included on the schedule’s List I and List II.

As set forth in court filings, Lathiya supplied precursor chemicals to the United States and Mexico, among other places, despite knowing they would be used to manufacture fentanyl.  Lathiya and his company also sent their chemical products to the United States and Mexico using international mail and package carriers.  The chemicals distributed by the defendant included all the materials necessary to manufacture fentanyl via the most common pathways.  To prevent detection and interception of chemical products at the borders, the defendant employed deceptive and fraudulent practices, such as mislabeling packages and falsifying customs forms. 

For example, on or about June 29, 2024, a package shipped by Raxuter Chemicals was delivered to an address in the Eastern District of New York.  The package had a false manifest that listed its contents as Vitamin C.  In truth, the contents were a List I chemical, 1-boc-4-piperidone, an unlawfully imported fentanyl precursor.

On October 2, 2024 and October 15, 2024, Lathiya appeared on a video call to discuss sale of fentanyl precursor chemicals with an HSI undercover officer.  After being told by the undercover officer that his “clients in Mexico were very happy with the quality of what you sent me” and with “the yield they got of the final product,” Lathiya agreed to sell 20 kilograms of 1-boc-4-piperidone, which is a List I chemical used in fentanyl synthesis.  Lathiya also proposed mislabeling the chemical as an antacid.  The undercover officer replied and asked if it would be easier to ship the product to Mexico, stating “This is a very controversial product … Because like you said it’s banned and in Mexico I think it could be easier but there’s so much pressure on them because of fentanyl.”  On or about November 23, 2024, Raxuter Chemicals and Lathiya shipped approximately 20 kilograms of 1-boc-4-piperidone to the Eastern District of New York.  The package was mislabeled as an antacid. 

Mexican drug trafficking organizations, including but not limited to the Sinaloa Cartel, have increasingly availed themselves of the fentanyl precursors developed and distributed by companies like the one owned by the defendant, including in India and China.  This guilty plea follows the Office’s pathbreaking indictments of three Chinese chemical companies and three employees in United States v. Anhui Rencheng Technology Co. (Rencheng) Ltd et al and United States v. Hefei GSK Trade Co. Ltd, et al, charging them with similar offenses, including conspiracy to manufacture and distribute fentanyl, conspiracy to distribute a List I chemical, distribution of a List I chemical, and customs fraud conspiracy.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force 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 U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes these organizations commit, 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 New York comprises agents and officers from HSI; the FBI; DEA; the New York City Police Department; IRS Criminal Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Secret Service; with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York leading this prosecution.

Crips Gang Member Pleads Guilty To March 2021 Bronx Murder

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that ALIEU JARJOU, a/k/a “Scally,” a/k/a “Lu Scally,” pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos to his criminal activities as a member of the “Rollin 20s” set of the Crips, including the March 2021 murder of Jadon Robinson. 

“On March 9, 2021, Alieu Jarjou shot and killed 30-year-old Jadon Robinson on a busy Bronx street in the middle of the day,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Jarjou committed this brutal murder to enhance his status within the Rollin 20s Crips, a violent street gang that has terrorized our communities through senseless violence and drug trafficking.  There is stark reality that we need to face: for gangs like the Crips, murder is a part of business, and for gang members, murder is a status symbol.  Those who tolerate, or worse, celebrate gang culture could not be more out of touch.  New York families want gangs dismantled and their murderous members off the streets.  The women and men of our Office are committed to relentlessly pursuing all gangs that threaten the safety of New Yorkers.”

As alleged in the Indictment and statements made in public filings and public court proceedings: 

From at least January 2021 through at least January 2022, JARJOU was a member of the Rollin 20s Crips, which is based in the Bronx, New York.  In order to fund the gang, protect its territory, and promote its standing, members of the Rollin 20s Crips engaged in, among other things, murders, assaults, threats of violence, and narcotics trafficking.  In connection with his membership in the Rollin 20s Crips, JARJOU, together with other members of the gang, sold drugs, including oxycodone and marijuana.

On March 9, 2021, JARJOU shot and killed Jadon Robinson in the vicinity of 1268 Morrison Avenue in the Bronx.  After learning that Robinson was suspected of assaulting a member of the Rollin 20s Crips, JARJOU murdered Robinson to retaliate for the suspected assault. Robinson was 30 years old.

JARJOU, 31, of the Bronx, New York, pled guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, during which he committed murder, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence, which firearm was brandished and discharged, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.  JARJOU is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Ramos on August 18, 2026.

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 defendant will be determined by the judge. 

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD.

Attorney General James Challenges Unconstitutional Executive Order Threatening Mail-In Voting

 

AG James and Multistate Coalition Sue to Block Federal Power Grab That Threatens Voter Access and States’ Authority Over Elections

New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of 22 other attorneys general, as well as the governor of Pennsylvania, today are filing a lawsuit to block the president's latest illegal executive order that would upend state election systems, baselessly restrict mail-in voting, and threaten election officials with prosecution for carrying out their duties. Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the order, signed just days ago, violates the United States Constitution and federal law by attempting to seize control of elections from the states and Congress. The coalition is asking the court to strike down the order and prohibit federal agencies from carrying out its unlawful directives. 

"Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy, and no president has the power to rewrite the rules on his own," said Attorney General James. "This executive order is yet another attempt to disenfranchise voters and sow distrust in our electoral system as we head into the next election cycle. Our elections are and always have been free, fair, and secure, and we will not allow this administration to attack the very foundation of our nation." 

Earlier this week, President Trump issued an executive order, "Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections," attempting to impose sweeping and unlawful federal control over state election systems. The order directs federal agencies to create and maintain master federal voter rolls by state and pressures states to rely on those voter rolls under threat of investigation, prosecution, or withholding of federal funds. It also requires the United States Postal Service (USPS) to refuse to deliver mail ballots from voters who are not included on a federal voter roll, directly interfering with states' mail voting systems. Additionally, the order seeks to force states to preserve election records for longer periods than required under existing law at states’ expense, again backed by threats of enforcement action, criminal prosecution, or the withholding of federal funds.  

Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the president is violating the Constitution by attempting to override states' authority to administer elections. They contend that the order unlawfully interferes with mail-in voting by directing USPS to block ballot delivery based on federal criteria outside states’ control, despite the fact that mail-in voting is a secure, reliable method used by voters of all parties and in all states – including the president himself. The coalition emphasizes that election administration is a complex, state-run process that requires extensive planning and preparation, and that the demands outlined in the executive order would significantly disrupt such plans, with potentially disastrous consequences.

The coalition warns that, if allowed to stand, the order will create widespread confusion and chaos by forcing last-minute changes to election systems ahead of upcoming federal elections. It would require states to overhaul their election operations on dangerously short notice and divert critical resources away from existing responsibilities, potentially within weeks of primary elections and mere months before the beginning of mail-in voting for the 2026 general election. By imposing conflicting federal voter lists and restricting mail ballot delivery, the coalition contends that the order risks disenfranchising eligible voters and disrupting elections that are already underway. It also threatens state and local election officials with investigation or prosecution for following state law, creating a chilling effect that could undermine the administration of free and fair elections. 

Attorney General James and the coalition emphasize that this is not the administration's first attempt to unilaterally change election laws. After failing to secure these changes through Congress, the administration has turned yet again to executive action to impose sweeping new election rules nationwide after Attorney General James and 18 other attorneys general already secured a court order blocking a prior unlawful executive order on elections last year, and courts have repeatedly affirmed that the president cannot bypass Congress or the Constitution to rewrite the rules governing federal elections. 

Attorney General James and the coalition are asking the court to declare the executive order unconstitutional and prevent federal agencies from enforcing its provisions. 

Joining Attorney General James in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of California, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia, as well as the governor of Pennsylvania. 

Governor Hochul Announces Funding for 12 Community World Cup Projects Across Seven Regions to Celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup

12 Projects Selected Through the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program

Funding Will Support Public Viewing Events and Community Activations Across New York State

Program Helps Extend the Economic and Tourism Benefits of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to Communities Statewide

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 12 community-based projects across seven regions of New York State have been selected as awardees through the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program. State funding will support locally organized public viewing events and related programming tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. More than $371,000 in grants will facilitate events designed to bring residents and visitors together while driving economic activity and increasing visitation to local businesses.

“New York is proud to play a major role in hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and we want communities across the state to share in the excitement and the economic benefits this global event will bring,” Governor Hochul said. “These grants will help cities, villages and local organizations host events that bring people together, support small businesses and ensure that New Yorkers in every region can take part in the celebration.”

The $500,000 Community World Cup Grant Program supports community-based activations such as public watch parties, cultural programming and community festivals timed with tournament matches. These locally organized events are designed to boost regional tourism, encourage spending at nearby restaurants and shops, and give New Yorkers opportunities to participate in the global tournament close to home. Empire State Development began accepting applications for the program in January following the Governor’s announcement launching the initiative.

Empire State Development received applications from organizations across multiple Regional Economic Development Council regions. Following review and consultation with regional partners, 12 projects across seven regions were selected as awardees under the Community World Cup Grant Program.

Community World Cup Grant Program Awardees

Capital Region

• Discover Albany — $29,825
• Downtown Troy Business Improvement District — $70,000

Central New York

• Visit Syracuse — $25,000

Finger Lakes

• Visit Rochester – East and Alex Entertainment District — $24,875
• Visit Rochester – High Falls — $22,000

Southern Tier

• City of Binghamton — $25,000

Mohawk Valley

• City of Amsterdam — $12,125

North Country

• Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism, Southern Essex — $7,500
• Potsdam Chamber of Commerce — $20,000

Western New York

• City of Buffalo — $60,000
• Visit Buffalo — $70,000
• Westminster Economic Development Initiative (WEDI) — $5,000

Today’s announcement complements Governor Hochul's efforts to capture World Cup excitement in New York State. In addition to the Community World Cup Grant Program, New York State is supporting several initiatives designed to ensure communities across the state can participate in the excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Governor recently announced two free, large-scale community viewing events on Long Island and in the Mid-Hudson Region as part of a coordinated effort to maximize the statewide and economic impact of the 2026 World Cup into communities across the state. The Long Island and Mid-Hudson events will feature live match broadcasts alongside community-developed programming designed to authentically reflect each region and celebrate New York’s passion for the world’s game. Designed as outdoor experiences capable of welcoming thousands of attendees, each event will reflect the unique character of its region while promoting community engagement, small business participation, and inclusive access. Additional event details will be announced at a later date. For more information, including how to sign up to be notified of future New York State World Cup announcements, visit the I LOVE NY website here.

Governor Hochul has also advanced NY Kicks as part of her 2026 State of the State and FY27 Executive Budget, a new initiative aimed at expanding youth soccer access by investing in new soccer facilities and community programming in disadvantaged communities across the state. NY Kicks also advances Governor Hochul’s Get Offline, Get Outside initiative, which encourages New Yorkers to unplug from devices and spend time outdoors in their communities, by activating public spaces across the state and creating shared, active experiences for families.

These efforts also build on the State’s broader strategy to maximize the economic, tourism and community benefits associated with hosting matches during the tournament. 

About the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program

The New York State Community World Cup Grant Program provides funding to support community-based events tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Grants help local governments, nonprofit organizations and community partners host public watch parties and related programming designed to drive tourism, increase visitation to local businesses and ensure communities across the state can participate in the global tournament.

DEC ANNOUNCES $1.35 MILLION AVAILABLE TO LAND TRUSTS TO CONSERVE PRIVATE FORESTS IN NEW YORK STATE

Funding Will Protect Forestland from Future Development and Contribute to the State’s 30x30 Goal

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced that $1.35 million is now available through the fifth round of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Forest Conservation Easements for Land Trusts (FCELT) Grant Program. Eligible, accredited land trusts may apply for up to $350,000 to purchase conservation easements on privately owned forested land in New York State. DEC created the grant program to help conserve forest land to protect vital ecosystem services, including erosion and flood control, wildlife habitat, water and air filtration, and climate change mitigation. 

“New York’s forests are one of our greatest natural assets—providing a variety of ecological and economic benefits, as well as places for families to connect with the outdoors,” said Commissioner Lefton. “The grant funding provided through this successful partnership with the Land Trust Alliance and New York’s land trusts underscores New York’s commitment to biodiversity, wildlife habitat protection, and strong community partnerships across the state helping our forests remain as forests.”  

The grants are administered by the Land Trust Alliance in coordination with DEC. To apply, a land trust must be accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. A 25% match is required. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on August 13, 2026. Projects selected for FCELT grants should further goals and/or strategies identified in the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan, the New York State Wildlife Action Plan, the New York State Forest Action Plan, and/or other local, regional, or statewide land protection plans. Complete details about this grant opportunity can be found on the FCELT webpage.

Manager of the Land Trust Alliance's New York Program Jamie Brown said, “The FCELT program is a vital tool in the State’s efforts to protect New York’s forests. These lands benefit everyone by providing clean air and water, jobs, habitat, and recreational opportunities. The Alliance is proud to partner with DEC, New York’s land trusts, and forest landowners to use funds from the FCELT program to ensure that these important lands remain as forests for generations to come.”  

Funding for the grant program is provided by the State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). For the 2026–27 fiscal year, Governor Hochul's Executive Budget once again sustains the EPF at the historic funding level of $425 million. The EPF provides funding for critical environmental programs such as land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species prevention and eradication, enhanced recreational access, water quality improvement, and an aggressive environmental justice agenda.

 

About the Land Trust Alliance

Founded in 1982, the Land Trust Alliance is a national land conservation organization that works to save the places people need and love by strengthening land conservation across America. The Alliance represents more than 950-member land trusts and their 6.4 million supporters nationwide. The Alliance is based in Washington, D.C. and operates several regional offices. Visit the Land Trust Alliance website for more information.

   

New Yorkers Encouraged to Sign Up for the 15th Annual 'I Love My Park' Day

 

Participants Will Celebrate New York’s Public Lands by Volunteering in Cleanup and Stewardship Events Throughout the State 

Register for this Event Here 

Registration is now open for the 15th annual I Love My Park Day, which will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at state parks, historic sites and public lands all across New York State. The event, a partnership between Parks & Trails New York, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the Department of Environmental Conservation, is the largest statewide volunteer event to enhance parks, historic sites and public lands and raise awareness and visibility to the state outdoor recreation assets and their needs. 

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser said, “Our volunteers play an essential role in keeping New York’s State Parks and public lands welcoming, accessible, and ready for all to enjoy. I Love My Park Day is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together through stewardship and service. We’re grateful to our partners at Parks & Trails New York and look forward to welcoming thousands of volunteers across the state this year.”  

Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “DEC is proud to steward nearly five million acres of public lands that provide unending benefits from water quality to unmatched recreational opportunities for New Yorkers. I Love My Park Day events are perfect opportunities for public stewards, volunteers, and friends of the environment to get outside and give back to New York’s special places. Together, we can preserve and protect our incredible public lands to ensure they remain vibrant community spaces for generations to come.” 

Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Paul Steely White said, “Every great park has a story shaped by the people who care for it, and I Love My Park Day invites you to be part of that story. When you volunteer, you help keep these places vibrant and welcoming for everyone. Join thousands of New Yorkers and add your chapter to our state's growing tradition of public lands stewardship.” 

Volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in cleanup events at over 120 state parks, historic sites and public lands from Long Island to Western New York and covering all regions in between, including sites operated by the Department of Environmental Conservation and municipal parks. Registration for I Love My Park Day can be completed here. 

Volunteers will celebrate New York's public lands by cleaning up debris, planting trees and gardens, restoring trails and wildlife habitats, removing invasive species and working on various site improvement projects. 

I Love My Park Day compliments Governor Hochul’s Get Offline, Get Outside initiative which encourages New York kids and families to log off of their phones and put their mental and physical health first as they head outside to get fresh air, play sports, enjoy nature, and see everything else our state has to offer.  

About Parks & Trails New York 

Parks & Trails New York is New York's leading statewide advocate for parks and trails, dedicated since 1985 to improving our health, economy, and quality of life through the use and enjoyment of green space for all. With thousands of members and supporters across the state, PTNY is a leading voice in the protection of New York's magnificent state park system and the creation and promotion of more than 1,500 miles of greenways, bike paths, river walks and trails. More information can be found here. 

About New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation 

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 86 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. 

About New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 

The New York State 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 @NYSDEC on social media.

Mayor Mamdani, Cardi B Announce 2-K Applications Open June 2; Launch Citywide Jingle Competition

 

New Yorkers can apply to the jingle contest at nyc.gov/jingle and are share submissions using #NYC2KJingle 

 

*** WATCH HERE: Cardi B and the Mayor announce: 2-K is coming to New York! *** 

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Bronx-born rapper, parent and former New York City Public School student Cardi B announced that applications for the City’s first 2-K program will open June 2 and run through June 26, 2026, marking a major step toward universal, free child care for two-year-olds.  

  

Families will be able to apply for 2-K seats in school districts 6, 10, 18, 23 and 27, with offers released in August.  

  

To build momentum ahead of the application opening, the administration is launching a citywide 2-K application jingle competition, inviting New Yorkers to submit original 15 or 30-second jingles encouraging families to apply. A panel of special guest judges will review submissions before New Yorkers vote to select a winner. The winning entry will become the official 2-K theme for New York City and play on the radio.  

  

“As Cardi B says: “I can get ’em both. I don’t wanna choose.” With universal child care, New Yorkers won’t have to,” said Mayor Mamdani. “For too long, families have been forced to choose between affordable care and staying in the city they love. Now, they can have both—free care in the greatest city in the world.”  

  

“Child care is very important. Sometimes us women can’t really go forward because we don’t have nobody to help us take care of our kids,” said Cardi B in the video announcement.  

  

“The launch of 2-K marks an important milestone for early childhood education in New York City. Expanding access to early care and learning for two-year-olds helps children build strong foundations for language, social development, and learning, while supporting families during an important stage of their child’s development,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “This is an important step as we continue building a stronger, more connected birth-to-five early childhood system for New York City families.”  

  

Submissions to the 2-K jingle contest can be made at nyc.gov/jingle. Submissions must be received by Friday, April 17, 2026. Full entry rules and guidelines are available at nyc.gov/jingle.    

 

The 2-K program is New York City’s answer the urgent need for free, accessible child care for two-year-olds. Announced last month, the program will provide free child care to any family that needs it, regardless of ZIP code, income or immigration status.   

 

The program will launch this fall with 2,000 free seats and expand to universal access within four years.   

  

NYC Public Schools will share additional details, including final provider locations, with families and community partners in the coming weeks.

 

Watch the video here: Cardi B and the Mayor announce: 2-K is coming to New York!