STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA ON GETTING ARRESTED AFTER ICE PROTEST AT 26 FEDERAL PLAZA

 

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

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

 

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

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE WILLIAMS & COALITION ARRESTED FOLLOWING MAJOR ICE PROTEST AT 26 FEDERAL PLAZA

 

“This afternoon I faced arrest alongside dozens of New Yorkers in a nonviolent civil disobedience to demand oversight of ICE’s inhumane detention practices. Even under this creeping authoritarianism regime, I expect to be released today to go home to my family,  but the people we’re fighting for don’t have that privilege, as ICE disappears, and deports them.

“Together with the dozens of New Yorkers getting arrested today, I call for all levels of government to do what they can to support our immigrant communities and vulnerable, marginalized populations. That means passing legislation strengthening protections on the state and local level, and rejecting any coordination with or concession to Donald Trump and his paramilitary forces in our city.

“We can never allow this to become normal, we can never allow ourselves to look away from the horror being inflicted on our neighbors, and we have to use every tool available to fight it – including our own bodies, privilege, and freedom.”

MAYOR ADAMS UNVEILS GREENER, REVITALIZED FULTON MALL FOLLOWING $8 MILLION STREETSCAPE INVESTMENT

City Has Reinvigorated Popular Shopping Corridor, Adding Trees, Improving Tree Pits, and Increasing Seating  

Project Reclaims Streets for Greater Pedestrian Use, Creates More Accessible Public Spaces 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, and the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership (DBP) today unveiled the renovated Fulton Mall streetscape that includes $8 million in upgrades to make the shopping district greener, more pedestrian-friendly, and more livable. The revitalization effort delivers improvements on Fulton Street between Boerum Place and Flatbush Avenue to support the corridor’s active commercial uses and beautify its public spaces by enlarging tree pits, adding trees, installing new benches, and placing permeable pavers around the tree pits.

"Today, we are unveiling a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly economic hub in Downtown Brooklyn that will continue to make our city more livable. This $8 million investment has transformed this busy corridor into a safer, more welcoming space that residents and visitors deserve," said Mayor Adams. "Our administration is proud to, once again, deliver exactly what working-class New Yorkers are asking for, and today's announcement continues to develop public spaces with a people-first design that improves the quality of life for all New Yorkers.”

“Every day, New Yorkers look for more ways to enjoy the outdoors. Sometimes that means a park, and sometimes it’s just a walk to the grocery store,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Jeff Roth. “That’s why a people-first streetscape in Downtown Brooklyn matters — it makes daily life better and getting outside easier. Thank you to our chief public realm officer for leading this work, NYC Parks for the trees and care ahead, and DBP for your partnership. Our administration is proud to keep delivering for New Yorkers every day.” 

“Downtown Brooklyn’s streets are its front porch to the world, and with these streetscape improvements we are creating a safer, greener, more welcoming space for everyone who lives, works, and visits here,” said Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu. “This Fulton Streetscape project shows what’s possible when city agencies and the business community prioritize the pedestrian experience, transforming public spaces into places of connection, commerce, and community.”

“The completion of the Fulton Mall streetscape improvements is a major step forward in transforming our neighborhood into a people-first downtown,” said Regina Myer, president, Downtown Brooklyn Partnership. “In just one year, we were able to overhaul the borough’s busiest shopping corridor with a series of smart upgrades to make it greener and more beautiful and accessible to pedestrians. The Fulton Mall work advances key goals of our Downtown Brooklyn Public Realm Action Plan and we’re grateful to our partners at NYC Parks for bringing this project to fruition.” 

The $8 million revitalization of Fulton Mall is part of the Adams administration’s $40 million investment in Downtown Brooklyn’s public realm, which includes streetscape improvements, transportation and public space upgrades -- such as improved bus service and new public art -- and pedestrian and roadway safety enhancements.

Completed in two-block sections over the course of approximately one year, the $8 million investment has greened, beautified, and enhanced the shopping district area with several public realm improvements, including:

• Enlarged planting beds representing a nearly 100 percent increase in planting space with 7,895 new perennial plantings, including oakleaf hydrangea, yarrow, coneflower, creeping juniper, and Japanese forest grass.
• New beds for 79 existing trees and five new trees.
• 39 new radial benches made with wood slats and galvanized steel armrests in 10-foot and 20-foot lengths.
• 24,083 new square feet of permeable paving around planting beds to improve stormwater and flood management in the neighborhood.

The revitalization of Fulton Mall’s streetscape is part of the Adams administration’s work to build and revitalize public spaces across New York City. In addition to this project, Mayor Adams has announced a $50 million investment to improve “The Arches,” a newly opened public space under the Brooklyn Bridge, as well as committed over $400 million to fully transform Fifth Avenue into a world-class, pedestrian-centered boulevard.

On Constitution Day, President Trump Urges Naturalized Citizens to Honor and Respect American Law and Traditions

 

Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, citizenship naturalization is once again treated like the sacred trust it is

Today, on Constitution Day, President Donald J. Trump issued a letter congratulating newly naturalized citizens taking the Oath of Allegiance and urging them to “safeguard, honor, and respect” the American Constitution. 

“The United States is now your homeland, and you stand as part of one Nation under God,” wrote President Trump. “You have pledged your heart to America-and in return, she offers the boundless promise of freedom and opportunity.”

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will present this letter to all new citizens during their naturalization ceremonies. This is part of the Department of Homeland Security’s ongoing fight to restore sanity and common sense to our immigration system, which was deliberately abused by the Biden administration to flood the United States with criminal illegal aliens and others who work to subvert American peace and security. 

“After years of abuse, sanity is returning to our immigration system,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “American citizenship is a sacred trust, and it should never be treated lightly. To be an American citizen is to commit yourself to upholding our values, culture, and Constitution. We are doing everything in our power to make sure that anyone who is offered the privilege of becoming an American citizen fulfills their obligation to their new country.”

Under President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, USCIS has implemented much-needed reforms to the naturalization process. Now, aliens who apply for immigration benefits, including naturalization, are being vetted for Anti-American activity, support for terrorism, and other potentially disqualifying behavior. 

This newly enhanced vetting process includes reinstating neighborhood interviews of potential new citizens, considering whether aliens have made positive contributions to their communities, determining good moral character, and verifying they have never unlawfully registered to vote or unlawfully attempted to vote in an American election. USCIS has also overhauled the citizenship test, making it more difficult to ensure that only those who are truly committed to the American way of life are admitted as citizens. 

Governor Hochul Issues COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance for New Yorkers in Partnership With the Northeast Public Health Collaborative

New York State Guidance Advises Vaccination for Children (6 months - 18 years old) and All Adults

Guidance Aligns with Regional Recommendations from Northeast Public Health Collaborative

Builds on Executive Order Ensuring New Yorkers Can Receive Updated 2025-26 COVID Shot

With science and health care under attack by the federal government, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the release of New York State’s 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine guidance, ensuring residents continue to have access to vaccines and science-based information. The guidance recommends COVID vaccination for children(6 months to 18 years old), all adults, and individuals at higher risk, including those who are pregnant, lactating, or immunocompromised. The guidelines are being released ahead of this week’s federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting, where national vaccine recommendations will be reviewed and voted on.

“Vaccines remain one of the strongest tools we have to safeguard our families and our communities,” Governor Hochul said. “As Washington continues to launch its misguided attacks on science, New York is making it clear that every resident will have access to the COVID vaccine, no exceptions. By standing with our partners across the Northeast, we are ensuring that New Yorkers have the protection and the information they need to stay safe and healthy.”

The State guidance also aligns with consensus COVID-19 recommendations agreed upon by the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a group of several Northeastern states and municipalities including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island and New York City. These recommendations are consistent with the Fall 2025 COVID-19 vaccination guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Today’s announcement comes as Governor Hochul has taken several steps to ensure that vaccines remain accessible to New Yorkers even as restrictions continue to hamper access at the federal level. Earlier this month, Governor Hochul signed an Executive Order allowing pharmacists to prescribe and administer COVID vaccines, ensuring continued access for all New Yorkers who wish to be vaccinated. The Order will be extended as necessary while a long-term legislative solution is developed to address access to all vaccines in order to combat the Trump Administration’s misguided attack on immunization and healthcare.

At the direction of the Governor, the State also recently issued guidance to insurers encouraging them to continue covering all vaccines recommended by The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The guidance also reminds insurers of previously issued guidance requiring insurers to cover COVID vaccines for children, and urges insurers to encourage employers and other entities who provide self-funded health care coverage to continue covering the cost of vaccines.

 

Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Manhattan

 

The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Anthony Troy James, who died on June 4, 2022 following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Harlem.

Shortly after 2 a.m. on June 4, 2022, NYPD officers pursued Mr. James on foot on Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard near West 148th Street in Harlem, after seeing Mr. James behaving erratically. A struggle ensued, after which officers placed Mr. James in handcuffs. While they waited for the ambulance, Mr. James became unresponsive. Mr. James was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead later that day.

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.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change. 

United Kingdom National Charged in Connection with Multiple Cyber Attacks, Including on Critical Infrastructure

A complaint filed in the District of New Jersey was unsealed today charging Thalha Jubair, a United Kingdom national, with conspiracies to commit computer fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering, in relation to at least 120 computer network intrusions and extortion involving 47 U.S. entities. The complaint alleges victims paid at least $115,000,000 in ransom payments.

“Jubair is alleged to have participated in a sweeping cyber extortion scheme carried out by a group known as Scattered Spider, which committed at least 120 attacks worldwide and resulted in over $115 million in ransom payments from victims,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These malicious attacks caused widespread disruption to U.S. businesses and organizations, including critical infrastructure and the federal court system, highlighting the significant and growing threat posed by brazen cybercriminals. These charges underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to keeping pace with technologically savvy bad actors and holding accountable those who seek to profit from ransomware.”

“The charges against Jubair announced today are the result of a lengthy investigation into particular cyber threat actors, often referred to as Scattered Spider, who have victimized at least 47 U.S.-based entities, including in New Jersey,” said Alina Habba, Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney for the District of New Jersey. “As alleged by the complaint, Jubair went to great and sophisticated lengths to keep himself anonymous while he and his criminal associates continued to attack these victims and extort tens of millions of dollars in ransom payments. But thanks to the relentless investigation of this Office and our FBI and CCIPS partners, Jubair could not remain anonymous and avoid justice indefinitely. Today’s charges demonstrate my Office’s determination to identify cybercriminals and bring them to justice, wherever they are in the world.”

“Today’s charges make it clear that no cybercriminal is beyond our reach,” said Assistant Director Brett Leatherman of the FBI’s Cyber Division. “If you attack American companies or citizens, we will find you, we will expose you, and we will seek justice. The FBI continues to deploy every investigative and technical resource available to dismantle criminal cyber networks and hold their members accountable. This means working with trusted international partners like the UK’s National Crime Agency, the West Midlands Police, and the City of London Police, as well as utilizing the capabilities of our state and local partners, who are valued members of FBI’s Cyber Task Forces.”

“The arrest of Thalha Jubair underscores an undeniable truth: no matter how elusive or destructive these cyber-criminal syndicates are, we will continue to pursue those who allegedly extort our businesses and ensure they are held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy for the FBI. Today’s charges in both the U.S. and U.K. reflect extraordinary coordination with our foreign and industry partners and mark a decisive victory against cybercriminal gangs who thought they could cripple American industries, inflict hundreds of millions in losses, and hide behind a screen without consequence. The FBI remains relentless in protecting Americans and American businesses — detecting, deterring and diminishing the impact of cyber-criminal gangs.”

According to the complaint, Thalha Jubair, also known as “EarthtoStar,”  “Brad,” “Austin,” and “@autistic,” 19, of London, England, conspired with others to use social engineering techniques to gain unauthorized access into the computer networks of U.S. companies, steal and encrypt information, and demand ransom payments from victims in exchange for  regaining control and preventing the dissemination of the exfiltrated data. Jubair also conspired with others to launder the funds obtained through this scheme. In October 2024 and January 2025, Jubair participated in a scheme to gain unauthorized access to the networks of a U.S.-based critical infrastructure company and the U.S. Courts.

From as early as May 2022 to as recently as September 2025, Jubair and his associates were involved in approximately 120 network intrusions, including accessing the computer networks of at least 47 U.S.-based victims. Collectively, victims paid more than $115 million to Jubair and his associates in efforts to recover their data and prevent its disclosure. Portions of the ransom payments from at least five victims were sent to wallets on a server controlled by Jubair. In July 2024, while law enforcement was seizing that server — including successfully seizing cryptocurrency worth approximately $36 million at the time of the seizure — Jubair transferred a portion of cryptocurrency that originated from one of the victims, worth approximately $8.4 million at the time, to another wallet.

The charges arise out of an investigation into a cyber threat group that has been referred to as “Scattered Spider,” “Octo Tempest,” “UNC3944,” and/or “0ktapus.” Scattered Spider has targeted victims throughout the United States, including in New Jersey.

Jubair is charged with computer fraud conspiracy, two counts of computer fraud, wire fraud conspiracy, two counts of wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracy. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 95 years in prison.

On Tuesday, Sept. 16, U.K. authorities arrested Jubair and a second individual in connection with a separate U.K. investigation related to a computer intrusion that targeted U.K. critical infrastructure.

The FBI’s Newark Field Office is investigating the case. The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency and the City of London Police, the United Kingdom’s West Midlands Police, the National Police of the Netherlands, the Dutch Prosecutor’s Office, the Romanian Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism, Brigade for Combating Organized Crime Targu Mures, Romanian National Police, Directorate for Combating Organized Crime, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Australian Federal Police have provided significant assistance.

Assistant Deputy Chief Adrienne L. Rose and Trial Attorney George S. Brown of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Kogan for the District of New Jersey’s Cybercrime Unit are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance.

CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cybercriminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.

A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

Honduran National Sentenced To Seven Years In Prison For Laundering $12 Million In International Telemarketing Scheme

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that CESAR RAFAEL COELLO DOMINGUEZ was sentenced yesterday to seven years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.  COELLO DOMINGUEZ previously pled guilty on May 21, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla, who imposed yesterday’s sentence. 

“Cesar Rafael Coello Dominguez helped steal millions from victims across the U.S.,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Yesterday, he learned that the women and men of our Office are committed to prosecuting those who defraud hard-working Americans.” 

According to the charging documents and other public filings and statements made in public court proceedings:

COELLO DOMINGUEZ’s participated in a years-long scheme, primarily based in Costa Rica, which operated call centers that targeted and defrauded victims across the U.S. (the “Call Center Scheme”).  From September 2019 to January 2023, COELLO DOMINGUEZ defrauded and laundered at least $12 million from more than 400 victims, many of whom were elderly or otherwise vulnerable.  Members of the Call Center Scheme intentionally targeted victims across the U.S. with promises that the victims had won a nationwide sweepstakes that required the victims to pre-pay certain taxes and fees. Once the members of the Call Center Scheme realized that the victims had become aware that the promised sweepstakes prize was a scam, they would often contact the same victims again—this time masquerading as lawyers or members of U.S. law enforcement—and attempt to trick the same victims into paying even more money into the scheme.  DOMINGUEZ regularly traveled to the U.S. in order to set up dozens of shell bank accounts, which he used to collect millions of dollars of stolen victim funds on behalf of the scheme and transfer those funds back to Costa Rica.

In addition to the prison term, COELLO DOMINGUEZ, 39, of Heredia, Costa Rica, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.  COELLO DOMINGUEZ was also ordered to forfeit $12 million and to make restitution to victims.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Mr. Clayton also thanked the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, who assisted in the investigation.