HVAC Supplier Johnson Controls Inc. and Two Subsidiaries Agree to Pay $5 Million to Settle Cybersecurity Fraud Allegations

 

Johnson Controls, Inc., of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and two subsidiaries, Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP and Johnson Controls Security Solutions LLC (collectively, “Johnson Controls”), have agreed to pay $5 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by failing to comply with cybersecurity requirements in their federal contracts and subcontracts for building products and services, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) services.   

“Federal contractors must follow required cybersecurity standards to safeguard sensitive government information,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Guynn of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will continue working with its law enforcement partners to ensure that federal agencies and taxpayers get what they paid for and to hold accountable government contractors who violate cybersecurity requirements.”

The settlement resolves allegations that from January 2018 to August 2025, Johnson Controls entered into contracts and subcontracts with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Departments of Defense, Energy, and Justice that required Johnson Controls to implement security controls to protect government information. Johnson Controls allegedly failed to control access to protected information due to a lack of sufficient information regarding its information systems and a lack of sufficient control over those systems. In addition, for contracts that required Johnson Controls to comply with cybersecurity controls in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171, including Department of Defense contracts, Johnson Controls allegedly failed to maintain a System Security Plan that met the contractual requirements and failed to adequately document, fully develop, or fully implement a plan of action and milestones to correct deficiencies and reduce or eliminate vulnerabilities in its information systems.

“Cybersecurity requirements are of the utmost importance to the government,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “My office will vigorously pursue contractors who fail to follow these requirements, particularly when those failures persist over several years, needlessly exposing our nation to malevolent attacks and exploitation by bad actors."

“Cybersecurity requirements in federal contracts are not optional.  They are binding obligations that protect sensitive government information,” said Director James Ives of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS).  “Contractors who fail to meet these obligations jeopardize the security and trust fundamental to doing business with the federal government. DCIS and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate violations and pursue accountability for contractors who disregard their cybersecurity obligations.”

“Defense contractors who misrepresent their cybersecurity credentials and fail to safeguard critical infrastructure pose a direct threat to our Department of the Navy installations and warfighters,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Brian Merkal, Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Economic Crimes Field Office. “NCIS and our federal partners will relentlessly pursue any company or contractor who cuts corners on security mandates and leaves us vulnerable to adversarial threats.”

“A secure digital infrastructure is just as critical to NASA's operations as the physical building products and services Johnson Controls provides,” said Kathryn Sheehey, Senior Official at the NASA Office of Inspector General. “By failing to control access to sensitive information, this contractor put America’s space program at risk. Today’s settlement underscores that circumventing federal cybersecurity requirements incurs steep financial penalties.”

“Government contractors must be honest and vigilant in protecting the sensitive information entrusted to them,” said Special Agent in Charge Floyd Martinez of the General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) Southeast and Caribbean Investigations Division. “GSA OIG and our law enforcement partners remain committed to holding contractors accountable when they put national security at risk for financial gain.” 

The settlement resolves two qui tam or whistleblower lawsuits filed under the False Claims Act, under which private citizens can sue on behalf of the government and share in any recovery.  The settlement provides for the whistleblower, Kelly Vance, who formerly worked for Johnson Controls, to receive $850,000 as his share of the settlement.  The qui tam cases are captioned United States ex rel. Kelly Vance v. Johnson Controls, Inc., No. 1:24-cv-2500 (N.D. Ga.) and United States ex rel. David Thomas v. Johnson Controls Int’l PLC, No. 1:26-cv-448 (D.D.C.).

This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Department of Justice Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern District of Georgia and the District of Columbia, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, NCIS, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, NASA OIG, Department of Energy OIG, the Department of Justice OIG, and GSA OIG. 

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

Attorney General James Releases Footage from Investigation into Death of Wei Chan

New York Attorney General Letitia James released body-worn camera footage that her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of Wei Chan, who died on August 16, 2026 following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Manhattan.

On August 16, NYPD officers went to a building on Ludlow Street in Manhattan following a 911 call reporting an assault. As officers began walking up the staircase, they saw Mr. Chan, who was allegedly holding a cleaver and coming down the staircase toward officers. The officers told Mr. Chan to show his hands and drop the cleaver, but he failed to comply, and officers fired their guns, striking Mr. Chan. Mr. Chan was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered a cleaver at the scene.

The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) of the Attorney General’s Office released footage from body-worn cameras that captured the incident. The release of this footage follows Attorney General James’ directive that camera footage obtained by her office during an OSI investigation be released to the public to increase transparency and strengthen public trust in these matters.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party in a criminal matter or any opinion as to how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime. 

Warning: This video contains content that viewers may find disturbing.  

Former Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Alaska Sentenced to 26 Years for Illegally Prescribing Opioids Resulting in Three Overdose Deaths

A former Eagle River advanced nurse practitioner was sentenced to 26 years in prison following her guilty plea in which she admitted illegally prescribing and dispensing opioids and other drugs outside the scope of legitimate medical practice and thereby causing the overdose deaths of three of her patients. 

According to court documents for over five years, Jessica Joyce Spayd, 55, operated what purported to be a legitimate clinic offering medical treatment for chronic pain and addiction.  In reality, without legitimate medical purpose and outside the scope of professional medical practice, Spayd routinely prescribed staggeringly large quantities of highly addictive--and sometimes lethal--opioids and other drugs, often in notoriously dangerous combinations, to patients who relied on her for medical care.  Ms. Spayd issued these prescriptions with little to no medical justification, treatment plans, testing, or physical examinations. Many of her patients were vulnerable and suffering from chronic pain, addiction, and mental illness. The defendant disregarded other medical considerations such as medical histories, risk factors, past overdoses, pregnancy, symptoms, and pleas to reduce or taper her dosages for her patients. She also ignored warnings from patients’ family members, pharmacists, and other medical providers. Ms. Spayd also ignored thousands of warning letters sent by insurance companies about the dangers of her practices. 

Spayd originally was convicted by a jury of multiple offenses, including causing five overdose deaths by illegal prescriptions for opioids and other drugs and maintaining a premises used for drug trafficking, and sentenced to a 30-year term of imprisonment, but that conviction and sentence were overturned because the presiding judge, now-former United States District Judge Joshua M. Kindred, erroneously failed to recuse himself from Spayd’s case.  After that occurred, Spayd entered into an agreement with the government to plead guilty to causing three overdose deaths.  She was sentenced today based on that guilty plea. 

“As a licensed professional and trusted member of the community, Ms. Spayd’s actions are far more insidious than that of a street-level dealer,” said Scott Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Ms. Spayd prescribed dangerous, and, at times deadly medications, to vulnerable Alaskans with callous disregard for the harm, including deaths, resulting from her criminal conduct. She used her license to inflict irreparable harm to her patients, who trusted her, their families, and the community. This sentence sends a clear message that this office and law enforcement partners will relentlessly investigate and prosecute these cases.” 

“Ms. Spayd was entrusted to save lives, but instead her reckless criminal conduct resulted in the deaths of three patients and contributed to at least 20 confirmed drug overdoses,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seatle Field Division. “DEA will not tolerate medical professionals who exploit their licenses and positions of trust to operate as drug dealers. We will aggressively pursue those who abuse their prescribing authority, endanger patients, and fuel the opioid crisis. No medical license puts anyone above the law.”

“Under the guise of a trusted healthcare professional, Ms. Spayd exploited her patients for profit and knowingly facilitated the abuse of opioids in our community,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Schlegel of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “From the beginning of this investigation and now through sentencing, our focus remained the same – seeking justice for the victims and their families. This sentence not only reflects the seriousness of Ms. Spayd’s destructive and lethal crimes, but also the FBI’s commitment to justice and holding offenders accountable.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case, with invaluable assistance from members of the North Slope Borough Police Department, the Alaska Health Care Fraud Task Force, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Office of Law Enforcement and Security, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Alaska State Parks Rangers, Alaska State Troopers, Anchorage Police Department, Alaska Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the State of Alaska Division of Insurance. 

Mayor Mamdani Appoints Eric Thor to Lead NYC’s Office of Nightlife

 

Longtime community organizer will work with nightlife workers, small businesses and neighborhood establishments across all five boroughs 

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced the appointment of Eric Thor as Executive Director of the Office of Nightlife, which operates within the Department of Small Business Services (SBS). 

 

Thor will lead the City’s efforts to support the workers, small businesses and communities that make New York’s nightlife possible, from DJs and bartenders to security staff, promoters and venue owners. Thor will begin meeting with workers, business owners, and community members across all five boroughs to help shape the office’s priorities. 

 

His agenda will focus on improving conditions for nightlife workers, streamlining the permitting process for small events and strengthening the Coordinating a United Resolution with Establishments (CURE) program. 

 

“New Yorkers work hard all week, and being able to afford a night out with friends is part of what makes this city worth living in,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “Nightlife is more than entertainment. It’s good jobs, a lifeline for small businesses and what makes New York City the best place in the world to be out after 10 p.m. The workers and business owners who keep it going are left to navigate a bureaucracy that makes their jobs harder. Eric has spent years organizing alongside working people, and he will bring that same commitment building a nightlife economy that works for everyone.” 

 

“I want every New Yorker to be able to afford a good night out after a long week, and every nightlife worker to have a fair, safe job,” said Eric Thor. “Nightlife is for everyone, from clubs to queer spaces to immigrant-run venues. A good night out should work for the people who organize it, the people who work it and the people who come to dance. It should be easy to start one in this city, not just for people who can afford lawyers.” 

 

“New York City’s bars, nightclubs and nightlife venues are an integral part of our city’s small business ecosystem, employing thousands of New Yorkers and generating more than $30 billion in economic activity across all five boroughs,” said SBS Commissioner Kenny Minaya. “The Office of Nightlife at SBS connects those businesses with free resources and services, from NYC BEST to commercial lease assistance to affordable financing, while simultaneously fostering positive relationships with neighborhoods and communities through MEND and CURE. I am thrilled to welcome Executive Director Eric Thor to SBS and am excited to continue the work of maintaining New York City’s position as the premier nightlife capital of the world.” 

Thor lives in Astoria, Queens. He previously served as lead developer for LaborLab, where he built a searchable database connecting filings from the National Labor Relations Board and Office of Labor-Management Standards. He also spent 10 years building websites for Wine Spectator and has been active in community and electoral organizing with the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. 

 

Biweekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

Last week, Senator Rivera attended the annual SOMOS Conference in Puerto Rico, where he participated in three panels, including Building Coalitions for Community-Led Change with Our Bronx, PROMESA: Building a Diaspora-Led Movement for PR’s Future, and From Coverage Loss to Collapse: How HR1 Unravels Care for Latinos and other Marginalized Communities.

During his first panel of the day, “Building Coalitions for Community-Led Change,” Senator Rivera discussed the importance of building diverse, cross-sector coalitions in order to establish a shared vision, align priorities, and advance policies, investments, and long-term plans for their communities.

During the second panel titled "PROMESA: Building a Diaspora-Led Movement for PR’s Future", Senator Rivera discussed the interconnected work happening in New York and Puerto Rico to advance debt justice and policy solutions. The discussion highlighted how elected officials, organizers, and movement partners are building a diasporic movement focused on Puerto Rico’s political and economic future as PROMESA approaches its 10-year anniversary.

On his third and last panel of the day titled From "Coverage Loss to Collapse: How H.R. 1 Unravels Care for Latinos and Other Marginalized Communities", Senator Rivera discussed the impact of federal healthcare cuts on Latinos and other marginalized communities. The discussion examined how losses in insurance coverage affect safety-net providers, community health, and the healthcare workforce, as well as strategies to mitigate these harms.

Senator Rivera thanks all the panelists for bringing their expertise!

Senator Rivera also joined colleagues, community leaders, and fellow Puerto Ricans to denounce those elected officials on the island who are supporting taking away the right of due process so ICE can interrogate children at their schools.

Senator Rivera firmly believes that Puerto Rico’s schools must remain safe spaces where children can learn without fear of immigration enforcement harassing students and teachers. He is calling on the House to restore every protection these children were promised. ICE must be held accountable for its actions, dismantled, and abolished.

This week, Senator Rivera joined colleagues and community members for the Veterans Day Commemoration at Memorial Grove in Van Cortlandt Park. The gathering honored the service and sacrifices of our nation’s veterans and active service members.



Thank you to Bronx Community Board 8, its Special Committee on Veterans Services, and the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance for bringing the community together for this meaningful tribute.

This week, Senator Rivera joined healthcare workers, union members, advocates, and community members for a statewide town hall on the New York Health Act. This event brought together 300 people at the 1199SEIU hedquarters and virtually. A special thank you to the 46 partner organizations that co-sponsored the event, including our host, 1199SEIU, as well as NYSNA, CIR SEIU, the Campaign for New York Health, PNHP NY Metro, and Our Bronx.

The discussion highlighted how rising healthcare costs are affecting New York families and workers, with powerful testimonials from union members about the sacrifices they make to maintain their health benefits.

Senator Rivera underscored how the New York Health Act would provide comprehensive healthcare coverage for all New Yorkers and how our state can lead the way in making affordable, quality healthcare a reality for everyone.

With the next legislative session approaching, Senator Rivera encouraged attendees to urge their elected representatives to become champions of the New York Health Act and make healthcare affordability a priority in Albany!

Senator Rivera attended the 52nd Precinct Community Council meeting, where he was honored for his work and leadership in the community. The gathering provided an opportunity to connect with residents and recognize the importance of community involvement in addressing neighborhood needs.



Senator Rivera was grateful for the recognition and thanked Community Council President Mrs. Brenda Caldwell for her invitation, and the leadership and officers of the 52nd Precinct for their invitation and continued service to the community.

Senator Rivera visited the Hebrew Home at Riverdale in his district where he met with President and CEO David Pomeranz, Chief Development Officer Kate Kaming, and AVP of Development Aubrey Balcom.

During the tour, Senator Rivera learned more about their work to support older adults, from state of the art equipment to supportive housing, and how state funding has helped strengthen these services.



The visit also highlighted CAPABLE, a free, home-based program designed to help older adults maintain their independence. Through personalized support from a nurse, an occupational therapist, and a home repair professional, the program helps participants navigate everyday activities and make their homes safer.

Senator Rivera thanked the team for their commitment to helping older adults live with dignity and remain connected to their communities.

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS COLLEAGUES FOR A SPECIAL PREVIEW OF THE NEW PARADISE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

This week, Senator Rivera joined his colleagues and community partners for a special preview of the new Paradise Performing Arts Center, located across the street from his district office.

This historic building is coming to life once again as a vibrant space for live performances, concerts, dance, film, and community and educational events.

Senator Rivera thanked the team at the Paradise Performing Arts Center and their partners for their work to restore this Bronx landmark and looks forward to seeing how the voices and aspirations of Bronx residents help shape its future.

EMERGENCY SHOVELERS NEEDED THIS UPCOMING WINTER!

As of this week, applicants can also walk into the Jobs NYC Center with required documentation to register to become an Emergency Snow Shoveler:   Days: Monday through Thursday (excluding holidays) Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Location: Jobs NYC Center, 2 Lafayette Street, Manhattan, 10007   Shovelers who complete their registration at a registration event prior to November 30, 2026, will be eligible for a PAID 4-hour orientation in December, as well as fast-tracked processing to receive a paycheck within 2 weeks of working.   More info in the release below, and at nyc.gov/snowemploy. Several new Emergency Snow Shoveler registration events have been added, including a walk-in site at 2 Lafayette St., Manhattan, that is open Monday through Thursday (excluding holidays), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sign-up for Community Registration Here!

In addition to the new walk-in center, upcoming Community Registration Events include the following:

UPDATES FROM NYC PARKS BRONX BOROUGH COMMISSIONER JESSENIA APONTE REGARDING THE PERMITS PORTAL

ATTENTION EVERYBODY: BE MINDFUL OF THE UPCOMING CHANGES TO MEDICAID COVERAGE STARTING JANUARY 2027

LET'S PASS THE NEW YORK HEALTH ACT!

The New York Health Act (S.3425) is a bill carried by Senator Rivera that would guarantee healthcare for every New Yorker by removing private health insurance from the equation. Unfortunately, people don't realize how broken our healthcare system is until they get sick or need unexpected medical care. We can change that with a single payer system that puts patients before profits.

Learn more about the NY Health Act below: 

Governor Hochul Announces More Than $62 Million in POWER UP Awards to Grow New York’s Power-Ready, Shovel-Ready Sites

$300 Million Program Supports Electrical Infrastructure Upgrades to Attract Advanced Manufacturing, Strengthen Supply Chains and Create Good-Paying Jobs

Builds on Success of FAST NY and Advances New York’s Leadership in Semiconductors, Agribusiness, Cleantech and Next-Generation Manufacturing

Governor Kathy Hochul announced more than $62 million in awards through New York State’s Promote Opportunity with Electric Readiness for Underdeveloped Properties (POWER UP) program. The awards will fund critical electrical infrastructure upgrades at strategic industrial sites in the Finger Lakes and Western New York, helping to position the state for advanced manufacturing investments and the good-paying jobs they create. POWER UP is a $300 million initiative designed to create power-ready, shovel-ready industrial sites capable of attracting high-growth industries and next-generation manufacturers. Through two rounds, more than $101 million has been awarded to support six projects across Upstate New York.

“As New York continues to attract more and more high-growth industries we are making sure they have the power they need to grow,” Governor Hochul said. “My POWER UP program is turning promising industrial sites into places where companies can get to work faster, creating good-paying jobs and strengthening our economy.”

POWER UP was first introduced in Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State and funded in the FY26 Enacted Budget as part of New York’s strategy to strengthen its economy by proactively preparing sites for the increasing energy demands of modern industry. Launched in late 2025, Empire State Development administers POWER UP in consultation with the Department of Public Service, ensuring projects are strategically aligned with utility planning, regulatory requirements, and long-term regional economic development.

Round Two POWER UP awards include:

• $59.95 million for Eastman Business Park in Rochester/Greece (Monroe County, Finger Lakes): RED Rochester will modernize critical elements of Eastman Business Park's electrical backbone. The project increases the ability to move electricity across the 1,200-acre campus and into priority development areas; expands transmission and distribution capability for existing and prospective industrial customers; increases dispatchable on-site generation by making more productive use of existing generation and steam assets; improves energy efficiency by capturing waste heat for additional power generation; increases grid import/export capability; improves voltage stability, resiliency and operating flexibility; and reduces electrical demand where available process steam can more efficiently serve industrial thermal loads. The improved power capacity at shovel-ready parcels and vacant buildings around the campus enable attraction of new manufacturers. Improved utilization of utilities within the service area will provide downward pressure on utility rates. The planned electrical upgrades support approximately 116 acres in Eastman Business Park-South and 85 acres in Eastman Business Park-East, together with several other developable parcels and approximately two million square feet at Building 605 and other existing industrial facilities positioned for redevelopment. Total Project Cost: $93.55 million.
  
• $2.17 million for Renaissance Commerce Park in Lackawanna (Erie County, Western New York) The Buffalo and Erie County Industrial Land Development Corporation is planning an electric infrastructure improvement project to further advance the adaptive reuse and revitalization of the former Bethlehem Steel site. POWER UP funds will build upon previous investment in the site by providing additional power capacity and voltage diversity with the installation of a new sub-transmission line serving 128 acres of developable industrial property. The improved access to power, paired with unique incentives, multimodal transportation access, wet utilities, and shovel-ready certification will position the park as an ideal location for advanced manufacturing. Total Project Cost:$2.67 million.

POWER UP is an open-enrollment program that has drawn interest from regions statewide. It builds on the success of FAST NY, which has awarded more than $333 million to 41 sites across Upstate New York, supporting efforts at nearly 8,800 acres — including infrastructure improvements at 4,775 developable acres. While FAST NY focuses on general site readiness, POWER UP specifically targets the electrical and transmission infrastructure required by modern manufacturers whose operations depend on advanced robotics, computing systems, automation, and climate-controlled production environments. By proactively investing in these upgrades, New York is reducing development timelines by years and creating a pipeline of turn-key industrial sites ready for fast-growing sectors such as semiconductors, agribusiness, renewable energy, cleantech and transportation equipment manufacturing.

By making proactive investments in electrical readiness, New York State continues to strengthen its pipeline of industrial development opportunities and ensure communities across the state are prepared to compete for transformational private-sector investment. More information about New York State’s POWER UP grant program is available here. 

ICE Arrests Illegal Alien Responsible for Fatal DUI After Illinois Sanctuary Politicians Released Him

 

This illegal alien had previously been arrested FOUR TIMES for driving under the influence

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement announcing that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested an illegal alien who had been RELEASED by sanctuary politicians in Illinois, after serving a prison sentence for causing a fatal accident while driving under the influence.

Vicente Torres-Vasquez, an illegal alien from Mexico, was arrested in Wauconda, Illinois after causing a fatal crash on July 24, 2011, while driving under the influence (DUI). His victim was 55-year-old Gregory Errol Homola, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, who was riding his motorcycle when he was struck by Torres-Vasquez. Two other women in another vehicle were also injured in the accident.

The victim: Gregory Errol Homola

Torres-Vasquez was convicted in 2012 for aggravated driving under the influence resulting in the death of another person and TWO counts of aggravated driving under the influence resulting in great bodily injury. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Torres-Vasquez had previously been arrested FOUR TIMES for driving under the influence, being convicted on three of the four counts.

The killer: Vicente Torres-Vasquez

On January 16, 2017, ICE lodged a detainer with the Illinois River Correctional Center (IRCC) in Canton, Illinois. On March 3, 2026, IRCC transferred Torres-Vasquez to the Stateville Correctional Center (SCC) in Crest Hill, Illinois, in anticipation of his parole release date. ICE then lodged another detainer. But on November 2, 2026, SCC refused to honor the ICE detainer and RELEASED him on parole without notifying ICE.

On November 11, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Chicago arrested Vicente Torres-Vasquez at large. He will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

“This illegal alien was sentenced to 25 years in prison after killing a man while drunk behind the wheel. When ICE lodged a detainer ahead of his release on parole, sanctuary politicians in J.B. Pritzker’s Illinois refused to cooperate with us and released him without notifying ICE,” said Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “Thankfully, the brave patriots of ICE managed to arrest this killer anyway, and he will now be deported from our country. These heartless sanctuary politicians need to stop prioritizing political power over the safety of their constituents. They owe it to the Angel Families to work with us so that we can prevent any more American lives from being lost to illegal alien crime.”

Torres-Vasquez illegally entered the United States through Arizona TWICE in March 2004, and was granted voluntary departures both times. He then illegally entered the country for a third time at an unknown date and location. An Immigration Judge issued him a final order of removal on November 11, 2010.

Under Governor J.B. Pritzker, Illinois has become a hotbed of illegal alien crime. Some of the recent illegal alien crimes in the sanctuary state include:

• In August, ICE arrested Hamed Mohammed Hamed Alsaidi, an illegal alien from Jordan, after he had been arrested for having EIGHT Molotov cocktails in his possession in Mokena, Illinois. He had been released by sanctuary politicians in Will County who refused to honor ICE’s detainer, and ICE arrested him two days later.
• In June, ICE lodged a detainer for Janio Gionel Velasquez-Muro, an illegal alien from Venezuela, after he was arrested for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl in Kane County, Illinois.
• In June, ICE arrested Giovanna Mercedes Moreno Occhipinti, an illegal alien from Venezuela and former teacher, for her involvement in a Tren de Aragua mass shooting in December 2024 that killed three people and injured several others at a house party in Chicago, Illinois.
• In March, ICE lodged a detainer for Jose Medina-Medina, an illegal alien from Venezuela, after he was arrested for shooting and killing 18-year-old Loyola College student Sheridan Gorman in Chicago, Illinois.
• In October 2025, ICE lodged a detainer for Leyter Jeferson Arauz-Medina, an illegal alien from Nicaragua, after his arrest for raping a 54-year-old woman in Chicago, Illinois.
• In October 2025, ICE arrested Radule Bojovic, an illegal alien from Montenegro, who was working as a sworn police officer with the Hanover Park Police Department.
• In September 2025, ICE lodged a detainer for Jose Javier Coronado-Meza, an illegal alien from Venezuela, after he was arrested for killing a man execution-style and then burying his body in concrete in Cook County, Illinois.
• In July 2025, ICE arrested Luis Mendoza-Gonzalez, an illegal alien from Mexico, after he was released by sanctuary politicians in Lake County, despite being arrested for hiding the body of 37-year-old Megan Bos on his property. 
• In January 2025, Julio Cucul-Bol, an illegal alien from Guatemala, caused a drunk-driving crash that killed 20-year-old Katie Abraham in Urbana, Illinois. Cucul-Bol now faces charges of leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death, aggravated driving under the influence resulting in death, and reckless homicide. Operation Midway Blitz was launched in September 2025 in Katie’s honor.