Department of Homeland Security Launches New Office to Advance Drone and Counter-Drone Technologies

 

$115 million investment in counter-drone technologies that will be critical in securing America250 and 2026 FIFA is in final stages

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced the launch of a new office dedicated to rapidly procuring and deploying drone and counter-drone technologies, marking a major step forward in restoring American airspace sovereignty – a top priority for the Trump Administration.

Drones are transforming industries nationwide, but they are also increasingly exploited by malicious actors. The new DHS Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems will oversee strategic investments in drone and counter-drone technologies that can outpace evolving threats and tactics.

The Program Executive Office has already begun its work and, this week, will finalize a $115 million investment in counter-drone technologies that will be critical in securing America250 and 2026 FIFA World Cup venues, underscoring the historic responsibility of protecting events that commemorate 250 years of American independence and welcome the world for the largest World Cup in history.

“Drones represent the new frontier of American air superiority. Under President Trump, we are entering a new era to defend our air superiority to protect our borders and the interior of the United States,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “With the creation of the DHS Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems, President Trump continues his historic legacy in developing American dominance. This will help us continue to secure the border and cripple the cartels, protect our infrastructure, and keep Americans safe as they attend festivities and events during a historic year of America’s 250th birthday and FIFA 2026.”

President Trump has championed the protection of the country from drone threats, initially signing the law in 2018 that gave DHS Components the authority to detect and mitigate drones. Since then, the Department has conducted over 1,500 missions to protect the United States from illicit drone activities. The new Program Executive Office will be taking the threat of hostile drones head-on and innovating ways drones can keep us safe from other threats on the ground, equipping the Department with the technology and expertise we need to keep us Americans safe.

With support from President Trump, the Department is now making unprecedented investments to secure American airspace. Other key Department initiatives include:

• Industry Engagement: DHS recently requested proposals from the counter-drone industry for a new $1.5 billion contract vehicle, enabling Components such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to quickly and strategically acquire advanced technologies needed to protect their officers and U.S. citizens.
• Expanded Authorities: In December, DHS authorities were broadened, authorizing all Department Components, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement partners, and correctional agencies to fully combat drone threats.
• Rapid Grant Deployment: Last month, FEMA completed the fastest non-disaster grant award in the history of the Department, awarding $250 million in grants for counter-drone capabilities to the 11 states hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and the National Capital Region.

The Program Executive Office can be reached at drones@dhs.gov.

Justice Department Announces Charges Against Illegal Alien, Known Tren de Aragua Associate, for Violent Attack on Border Patrol Agents in Portland, Oregon

 

Today, the Justice Department announced criminal charges against Luis Nino-Moncada, an illegal alien and known Tren de Aragua (TdA) associate living in the Portland, Oregon area for violently striking a federal law enforcement vehicle. During a targeted enforcement operation, Nin0-Moncada is alleged to have repeatedly struck a federal law enforcement vehicle, placing Border Patrol agents in harm’s way and resulting in significant damage to federal property. Nino-Moncada is in the country illegally, having previously been ordered removed by an immigration judge in 2024.

“Anyone who crosses the red line of assaulting law enforcement will be met with the full force of this Justice Department,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This man — an illegal alien with ties to a foreign terrorist organization — should NEVER have been in our country to begin with, and we will ensure he NEVER walks free in America again.”

Nino-Moncada has been charged with aggravated assault of a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon and depredation of federal property in excess of $1,000. Nino-Moncada is scheduled to make his Initial Appearance today at 1:30 PM PST.

According to the complaint, Border Patrol agents initiated a targeted immigration enforcement operation on a vehicle believed to belong to a female involved in a TdA prostitution ring. The female was sitting in the passenger-side seat of the vehicle at the time of the enforcement operation. This female had previously been arrested by Border Patrol in El Paso, Texas and later failed to report to immigration authorities. According to law enforcement reports, the female is believed to have been involved in a shooting stemming from a bad prostitution deal.

After commanding Nino-Moncada to exit the vehicle, Nino-Moncada is alleged to have placed his vehicle in reverse, colliding with an unoccupied Border Patrol vehicle with enough speed and force to cause significant damage. Nino-Moncada continued the forward and reverse maneuver multiple times, striking the Border Patrol vehicle multiple times. A Border Patrol agent interviewed by FBI special agents described being fearful that Nino-Moncada could strike them and other Border Patrol agents with the target vehicle. After the attack, Nino-Moncada and the female passenger fled the scene in the target vehicle.

Damage to the border patrol vehicle was significant. Serious damage was sustained to the front bumper, resulting in the bumper being torn from the vehicle, both headlights being destroyed, the front driver-side quarter panel being dented, including the fender liner being detached, and the driver side rear-passenger door and quarter panel being dented.

Damaged Border Patrol Vehicle

In an interview following the incident, Nino-Moncada admitted to intentionally ramming the Border Patrol vehicle in an attempt to flee and stated that he knew it was an immigration enforcement vehicle.

Attorney General James Applauds New Capital One Settlement

 

New Yorkers Cheated by Capital One Will Receive $34 Million

Settlement Doubles in Value After AG James Led Bipartisan Coalition Urging Better Deal for Consumers

New York Attorney General Letitia James today commended a new settlement that will require Capital One to provide $425 million in restitution and better interest rates for its 360 Savings customers who were cheated out of higher interest payments on their savings accounts for years. After Attorney General James led a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general in opposing an earlier proposed a class action settlement that did not deliver enough for Capital One customers who were wronged, this new settlement more than doubles the value of the earlier one. Attorney General James sued Capital One in May for misleading its 360 Savings customers to avoid paying them higher interest rates.

“Capital One customers were counting on growing their savings accounts, but their bank misled them and cheated them out of valuable interest payments for years,” said Attorney General James. “Today we are delivering justice for those customers nationwide and ensuring that they will receive the higher interest rates they were originally promised. I look forward to seeing this settlement approved and will always fight to ensure New Yorkers are treated fairly by their banks.”

Capital One marketed its 360 Savings accounts as “high interest” accounts with “one of the nation’s best savings rates” that would earn its customers more than an average savings account. However, while interest rates rose nationwide beginning in 2022, Capital One kept the interest rates for its 360 Savings accounts artificially low. Instead, Capital One created “360 Performance Savings,” a nearly identical type of savings account that provided much higher interest rates than 360 Savings – at one point, more than 14 times higher. In May, Attorney General James sued Capital One for misleading its 360 Savings account customers about the interest rates they would receive, allowing the bank to avoid paying the high interest rates that it promised.

In September, Attorney General James led a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general in filing an amicus brief opposing a proposed class action settlement that would have shortchanged 360 Savings customers. The proposed settlement would have delivered less than $300 million in restitution payments while allowing Capital One to continue to underpay 360 Savings customers’ interest. After Attorney General James and the coalition raised objections to this settlement, the court rejected it.

Capital One has now agreed to a new settlement that would deliver substantially more for 360 Savings customers. The settlement, which was preliminarily approved by the court today, will require Capital One to pay $425 million in restitution, including an estimated $34 million to New Yorkers who had 360 Savings accounts. The settlement will also require Capital One to match 360 Savings and 360 Performance Savings interest rates, erasing the misleading two-tiered system of accounts at the heart of Attorney General James’ lawsuit and providing an estimated $530 million to consumers nationwide in future additional interest. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) will voluntarily dismiss its lawsuit if the revised class action settlement receives final approval from the court and goes into effect.

TWO FORMER NYPD OFFICERS SENTENCED AFTER GUILTY PLEA TO SEX ABUSE OF INTOXICATED WOMAN

 

One Defendant Must Register as Sex Offender; Both Sentenced to Probation and Sex Offender Treatment Programs

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced today that two former NYPD officers were sentenced in the sexual abuse of an intoxicated woman, with one of the defendants required to register as a sex offender and both sentenced to probation and sex offender treatment programs as part of the plea agreement. 

District Attorney Clark said, “These two defendants took advantage of a woman who was intoxicated and thus unable to give consent. They are paying a severe price for their actions. They have criminal records, one of them must register with the state sex offender registry, and they have been fired from the NYPD. They have been held accountable, and hopefully the victim can move on with her life.” 

District Attorney Clark said Julio Alcantara-Santiago, 42, was sentenced on January 9, 2026, to six years’ probation and must register under the State Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA) and participate in a sex offender treatment program. He pleaded guilty to second-degree Sexual Abuse on September 17, 2025. Christian Garcia, 34, was also sentenced on January 9, 2026, to one year of probation and must participate in a sex offender program. He pleaded guilty to thirddegree Sexual Abuse on September 18, 2025. The sentences were handed down by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrizio. 

According to the investigation, on July 9, 2023, between approximately 12:53 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., the defendants were drinking alcohol with the victim at a Bronx nightspot, and she became heavily intoxicated. The victim was seen on surveillance video leaving the nightspot being assisted by Alcantara-Santiago and Garcia holding her up by her arms. The victim was then seen on surveillance video being assisted by Alcantara-Santiago and Garcia into the apartment building where Alcantara-Santiago lives. The following morning, the victim went to a local hospital. Medical testing identified DNA from both men on the victim, with a larger percentage belonging to Alcantara-Santiago.

District Attorney Clark thanked the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau and the NYPD Bronx Special Victims Squad for their work in the investigation.

Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul

“My team and I have been in regular communication with both NYSNA and hospital leadership for weeks, and that work has led to real progress. Eleven hospital systems have either reached agreements or agreed not to proceed with strikes at this time.

“While negotiations will continue, we expect strikes to begin tomorrow at three hospital systems in Manhattan and the Bronx.

“If strikes move forward, the Department of Health will have staff on site at all affected hospitals beginning tomorrow morning and for the duration of the strike to ensure patient safety and continuity of care.

“My top priority is protecting patients and ensuring they can access the care they need. At the same time, we must reach an agreement that recognizes the essential work nurses do every day on the front lines of our healthcare system.

“This weekend, I signed a two-week Executive Order allowing hospital systems to access resources to maintain patient care.

“I continue to urge both sides to remain at the table and reach an agreement as soon as possible.”

 

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli Urges New Yorkers to Spend Holiday Gift Cards

 

Over $28 Million in Unused Gift Cards Recovered by DiNapoli’s Office in 2025

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli is urging New Yorkers to spend and register the gift cards they receive during the holidays to avoid losing track of their money. After five years of inactivity, retailers are required by law to turn unused gift card balances over to the State Comptroller’s Office of Unclaimed Funds (OUF), where the money can always be claimed. In 2025, DiNapoli’s office recovered more than $28 million in unused gift cards that New Yorkers can claim.

“Spend those gift cards you get this holiday season, so they don’t become unclaimed funds,” DiNapoli said. “Also consider taking the extra step of registering the gift card so if you do forget about it, it’s easier to return those funds to you. No one wants to lose money, and we want to make sure if you do, you know you can always claim it by going to our website. Funds sent to our office never expire and are free to claim.”

Registering a gift card helps retailers connect unused balances to a person’s name, making it easier for DiNapoli’s office to reunite New Yorkers with their money if a card is lost or goes unused.

Retailers can provide OUF with a name if the person registers the gift card online, if they have been issued a refund, or if the card was purchased with an existing store account. If the owner’s information is not known to a New York retailer, it will report the card details, such as card number and balance, which can be used by the recipient to claim the balance.

Unclaimed funds can be claimed at any time online, by phone at 800-221-9311 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, by mail, or at in-person events, which are held throughout the year across the state. Claims are always free to file, and funds never expire. 

DiNapoli reminds gift card recipients to read the fine print on the card for details about any fees and expiration dates.

In 2025, OUF returned more than $580 million to their rightful owners.

Video of State Comptroller DiNapoli Discussing Gift Cards

State Comptroller DiNapoli Urges New Yorkers to Spend and Register Holiday Gift Cards - YouTube

NYS Office of General Services to Host New York's Beloved Community Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany

 

Free Event Headlined by Gospel Singer and Grammy Award Nominee Melvin Crispell, III

What: Join the New York State Office of General Services for the annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy.

This free event will feature interactive activities and an art display by artist Erin L. Kuhn in collaboration with students from Jefferson Community College (SUNY), as well as performances by interdisciplinary artist Taína Asili, violinist Gwen Laster, and gospel singer and Grammy Award nominee Melvin Crispell, III.

When: Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Program begins at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Empire State Plaza Convention Center, Albany, N.Y.

Who: Interviews will be available with:

• Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette M. Moy
• SUNY Chancellor Dr. John B. King, Jr.

FREE parking available in the Visitor’s Lot after 4 p.m. https://empirestateplaza.ny.gov/parking  

For event updates and additional information, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @plazaevents on X, or call (518) 474-4759.

OGS is implementing a new emergency text alert system, which the public can use to receive emergency notifications specific to the event they are attending. For the New York State Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the public can text ESPMLK to 888777 to opt in and receive emergency messages. 

MAYOR MAMDANI APPOINTS RAFAEL ESPINAL AS COMMISSIONER OF THE MAYOR’S OFFICE OF MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

 

The Mamdani administration will ensure NYC remains a home for the artists who shaped it 

 

Espinal led the Freelancers Union, advancing the rights and protections of freelancers  

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the appointment of Rafael Espinal as Commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME). As Commissioner, Espinal will advance the Mamdani administration’s agenda to ensure New York City remains a place where artists and creatives can afford to live and work. Espinal will report to Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su.  

 

Rafael Espinal is the current Executive Director of the Freelancers Union, where he has advanced the protections and rights of independent workers nationally. In 2019, there were 1.3 million freelancers — around 34% of the workforce — in New York City, many of whom work in the city’s creative industries. As Commissioner, Espinal will work closely with Mayor Zohran Mamdani to ensure that the workers who make up this industry can live in the city they have been so essential to creating. Previously, Espinal served on the New York City Council, representing Bushwick, Brownsville, Cypress Hills, and East New York. As a Council Member, he championed the rights and protections of artists and small businesses.  

 

“You cannot tell the story of New York without the artists who have shaped it,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “Yet, the cost-of-living crisis is driving creatives out of our city. That is a loss we cannot afford. As Commissioner, Rafael Espinal will support our city's artists and help ensure New York City remains a place that every artist can call home. He has led this work nationally, fighting for the rights and protections of independent workers and he will bring that fight right here to New York City.” 

 

“One of our top priorities is to make sure all of government works together and with the intention to grow industries that make this city vibrant, that reflect its beauty and creativity, and that bring good union jobs to New York City. MOME must lead in this space,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su. 

 

“I’m honored to join Mayor Mamdani’s administration and lead the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. New York City’s artists, creatives, and freelancers have made New York City into what it is today — if we want to keep our city’s culture, it is critical that they can afford to live and work here. I look forward to supporting our creative industries, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that the city remains a home for artists,” said Rafael Espinal, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.  

 

The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment supports New York City’s creative economy through its Film Office, NYC Media, Press Credential Office, and Programs and Initiatives divisions. Together, these offices handle permitting and licensing, workforce development, incentives for creative projects, and oversight of the City’s public media outlets. In 2017, more than 293,000 people were employed in New York City’s creative economy, generating billions in economic activity. MOME will continue advancing work that keeps creative jobs in New York City, powers tourism, and ensures the people who do this work can afford to live here.