Mayor Frey's Sanctuary Policies Release Criminal Illegal Aliens From Jails Back onto Minneapolis Streets to Terrorize More Innocent Americans

 

Since President Trump took office, Governor Walz and Mayor Frey refused to cooperate with ICE and released nearly 470 criminal illegal aliens back onto the streets of Minnesota--including Victoria Eileen Harwell's killer

Today the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reminds Americans of the facts after Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey gave an interview this morning in which he failed to take responsibility for his sanctuary policies that RELEASE criminal illegal aliens from jails, including violent criminals, and put them back in American neighborhoods.

In a Fox News interview this morning, Fox News’ Griff Jenkins asked Mayor Frey, “Are you familiar with Victoria Eileen Harwell? An Ecuadorian illegal immigrant in August of 2024, driving drunk, crashed head-on into Victoria Harwell, killing her…Local Hennepin County released [him] not once, but twice, and didn’t cooperate with ICE detainers. Why not – since you’re in favor of removing them – cooperate with ICE, whether you have this sanctuary policy, which DHS says it is – you call it a “separation ordinance” – why not just cooperate, and make it safer for everyone involved: The community, the officers, and even the migrants?”

In response, Mayor Frey claimed, “My position on this is pretty straightforward: If you commit a crime, if you commit fraud, if you commit a carjacking, or a murder, you should be investigated, charged, prosecuted, held accountable, and yes, arrested and put in jail. Um, that is my position if you commit a crime, and you are a problem on the streets of the city of Minneapolis that has made us less safe.”

Since President Trump took office, Governor Walz and Mayor Frey refused to cooperate with ICE and released nearly 470 criminal illegal aliens back onto the streets of Minnesota--including Victoria Eileen Harwell's killer.

German Llangari Inga, an illegal alien from Ecuador, was charged with vehicular homicide that resulted in the death of Minnesota mom Victoria Eileen Harwell in August of 2024.

Pictured: Victoria Eileen Harwell

According to court documents, Llangari Inga’s preliminary breathalyzer revealed his blood alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit for driving in Minnesota. A test of a blood sample collected by police about 2½ hours later found his blood alcohol content was 0.141%, still well above the legal limit.

Pictured: German Llangari Inga

Immediately following the crime, ICE placed a detainer for Llangari Inga upon his arrest for criminal vehicular homicide on August 4, 2024. The Hennepin County Jail refused to honor the detainer, and he was released without notification to ICE on August 6, 2024. Llangari Inga was arrested again on May 10, 2025, on an outstanding warrant for vehicular homicide by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and ICE placed a detainer the same day. He was released May 13 without notification to ICE. ICE arrested Llangari Inga on May 16, 2025.

“Tim Walz and Jacob Frey's dangerous sanctuary policies directly RELEASE criminal illegal aliens from jails and put them back on the streets to victimize more innocent Americans. Victoria Eileen Harwell's killer NEVER should have been RELEASED from Minnesota jails,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Despite Minneapolis-area officials refusing to honor this criminal illegal alien’s detainer TWICE, ICE officers tracked him down and removed this criminal from Minnesota’s streets. This is the exact reason we are in Minneapolis: to get criminals off the streets that Mayor Frey has refused to turn over to ICE law enforcement."

United States Department of Justice Files Lawsuit Against Minnesota’s ‘Affirmative Action’ Regime

 

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division filed a lawsuit today against the State of Minnesota challenging Minnesota’s requirement that all state agencies implement sex- and race-based affirmative action plans and consider “affirmative action goals on all staffing and personnel decisions.” The State’s affirmative action program directs agencies to engage in employment practices that “balance” the sex and race composition of its workforce with the civilian labor force.

“From suing over sanctuary city policies to a wide-ranging fraud investigation, today's lawsuit is the Department of Justice's latest effort to bring Minnesota into compliance with federal law,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Making hiring decisions based on immutable characteristics like race and sex is simple discrimination, and the Trump Administration has no tolerance for such DEI policies.”

“For far too long, courts have allowed employers to discriminate based on race and sex when it is packaged as ‘affirmative action,’” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Supreme Court put an end to using race as a factor in college admissions through its Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard decision. This case is the next logical step. Title VII protects all people from race and sex discrimination in employment. There is no exception that allows discrimination against employees who aren’t considered ‘underrepresented.’”

“Minnesotans already had to see their state officials let criminals brazenly walk off with over a billion taxpayer dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen for the District of Minnesota. “Now they see those same officials abusing their power by systematically and unlawfully branding jobseekers as the wrong race or sex. The United States Attorney General and the Justice Department are on the side of Minnesotans and have stepped in to hold the State accountable.”

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, alleges that this affirmative action mandate discriminates against, limits, and classifies employees and prospective employees on the basis of their race and sex in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII). “Because staffing is a zero-sum game,” the complaint states, “when Minnesota gives preferences to employees or prospective employees on the basis of their race, color, national origin, and sex, it inevitably and necessarily discriminates against other employees or prospective employees because of their race, color, national origin, and sex.”

While the U.S. Supreme Court previously sanctioned the consideration of race and sex in hiring for “traditionally segregated job categories,” the United States argues such outdated precedents are inconsistent with both the text of Title VII and subsequent Supreme Court caselaw.

United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi certified this case as a matter of general public importance. This designation invokes a provision of Title VII that entitles the United States to expedited review by a three-judge district court and direct appeal to the United States Supreme Court.

Attorney General James and NYPD Commissioner Tisch Announce Indictment of Florida Man for Illegally Shipping Firearms and Ghost Guns to New York

 

Lawrence Destefano Charged with 71 Crimes for Shipping Firearms, Ghost Guns, and High-Capacity Magazines to New York

Investigation Recovered 12 Firearms, Two Ghost Gun Kits, and 28 High-Capacity Magazines

New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Jessica Tisch today announced a 71-count indictment charging Lawrence Destefano, of Orlando, Florida with shipping firearms, ghost guns, and firearm parts and accessories to New York. An investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) recovered approximately 12 firearms, two ghost gun kits, 28 high-capacity magazines, and over 1,400 rounds of ammunition, which were mailed to locations in Brooklyn, Queens, and Nassau County. Destefano is the owner and operator of the gun retailer Indie Guns, which Attorney General James separately sued in June 2022 for selling tens of thousands of illegal, unfinished firearm parts to New Yorkers that were assembled into untraceable handguns and assault-style weapons. In March 2024, Attorney General James secured a $7.8 million judgment and court order against Indie Guns prohibiting it from selling firearms in New York.

“Untraceable ghost guns put New Yorkers in danger and enable those who are barred from owning guns to obtain deadly weapons,” said Attorney General James. “Lawrence Destefano and his company Indie Guns are accused of flooding New York with illegal firearms, and we are determined to bring him to justice. I will not tolerate illegal and dangerous weapons in our communities, and I thank our partners in law enforcement for their work to shut down this ghost gun supplier.”

“This case is a stark reminder of the threat that untraceable ghost guns pose to New Yorkers, and the great lengths traffickers will go to evade law enforcement,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Lawrence Destefano and his Indie Guns company showed a blatant disregard for public safety when they allegedly sold and deceptively shipped illegal firearms and components into our city. Now, because of the relentless work of NYPD investigators, this iron pipeline has been shut down and those responsible are being held accountable. I thank the Office of the Attorney General and its Organized Crime Task Force, as well our federal partners, for their strong collaboration in disrupting and dismantling gun trafficking networks that threaten our communities.”

“As alleged, Lawrence Destefano and his business, Indie Guns, have for years disregarded weapons laws that are vital to ensuring the safety of our communities both here in New York and nationwide,” said HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “Ghost guns, trafficked firearms, and assault-style artillery pose a serious threat to the safety of every community — they are untraceable, easy to assemble, and can be deadly if they end up in the wrong hands. HSI New York, together with our law enforcement partners, is committed to utilizing every tool at our disposal to stop and disrupt the dangerous illicit weapons pipeline and, in turn, save lives."

“This defendant is alleged to have used the U.S. mail to traffic illegal firearms and firearm accessories, endangering the safety of our fellow citizens of New York,” said USPIS Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward of the New York Division. “The US Postal Inspection Service remains committed to aggressively pursuing and investigating anyone who seeks to use the U.S. mail to facilitate gun violence. I commend our partners in the NYPD, HSI, and the New York State Attorney General’s Office for their dedicated collaboration throughout this investigation.”

The takedown was the result of a joint investigation between OCTF, NYPD, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). In January 2025, OAG began the joint criminal investigation into Destefano’s firearms trafficking operation that spanned Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau County, and the state of Florida. The investigation included controlled firearms purchase operations, covert video surveillance, social media monitoring, and analysis of financial and telephone records.

Ghost gun kit shipped by Destefano and recovered by the investigation.

Firearms and ammunition recovered by the investigation.

The investigation revealed that Destefano marketed ghost gun components through his Indie Guns website, and shipped ghost gun components, complete serialized firearms, high-capacity magazines, and ammunition to addresses inside and outside of New York. 

Destefano directed Indie Guns customers to use encrypted communication methods, such as Telegram Messenger, to discuss purchases and place orders in an effort to avoid detection from law enforcement. He also requested cash, money orders, and digital payments for the firearms and firearm parts to evade record keeping detection. Additionally, Destefano would often ship firearm components and firearm accessories separately, and he would circumvent shipping restrictions by hiding the true nature of the items shipped.

Between January and May 2025, Destefano sold approximately 12 serialized firearms, one ghost gun kit, numerous high-capacity magazines, and over 1,300 of rounds of ammunition to an undercover police officer. Destefano also shipped at least two additional packages to New York that were intercepted by USPIS. One package, which was shipped to an address in Nassau County, contained a complete ghost gun kit. Another package, which was shipped to Brooklyn, contained 100 rounds of 9-millimeter ammunition and a high-capacity magazine.

Destefano has been charged with one count of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, two counts of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree, 39 counts of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the Third Degree, 28 counts of Transport of Weapons and Dangerous Instruments and Appliances, and one count of Criminal Sale of a Frame or Receiver in the Second Degree. If convicted of the crime of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree, a class B violent felony, Destefano faces a maximum of 25 years in prison.

The charges against the defendant are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

The OAG would like to thank the USPIS, HSI, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Office of Monique H. Worrell, State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit, and the Florida Highway Patrol’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Intelligence, for their valuable assistance and participation in this investigation.

The investigation was led by NYPD Detective Christopher DeGiorgio of the LaGuardia Airport Task Force, under the supervision of NYPD Sergeant Michael Becker, Lieutenant Mark Jablonski, and Captain Matt Gorman, under the overall supervision of Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. 

NYC DOC OFFICER, RIKERS ISLAND INMATE AND HIS WIFE INDICTED FOR SMUGGLING SECURITY TOOLS, OTHER CONTRABAND INTO JAIL; OFFICER ALLEGEDLY TOOK OVER $5,000 IN BRIBES

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and NYC Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber today announced that a NYC Department of Correction Officer, an inmate and the inmate’s wife have been indicted in a contraband smuggling conspiracy that brought security tools, marijuana and tobacco into a Rikers Island jail. The officer is also charged with stealing nearly $8,000 in pay for hours he did not work. 

District Attorney Clark said, “The defendants allegedly engaged in a scheme that provided an inmate with contraband that fuels violence behind bars. Even more troubling, the veteran correction officer allegedly supplied the inmate with tools that can unscrew special security screws used throughout the jails, creating a security risk. These actions placed his fellow officers, other staff and inmates in jeopardy.”  

Commissioner Strauber said, “As charged, this City Correction officer abused his position of trust, acting in concert with a person in custody and a co-conspirator, to smuggle contraband, including security tools, into Rikers Island jail facilities. Introducing contraband destabilizes the City’s jails, endangering staff and inmates. Additionally, according to the indictment, the defendant is charged with time theft—stealing approximately $7,783 in wages from the City. I thank the Bronx District Attorney’s Office for its continued commitment to hold accountable those who commit fraud and undermine the stability and security of the City’s jails.” 

District Attorney Clark said the defendants, NYC DOC Officer Steven Davis, AKA “Sistrin,” 43, appointed to DOC in 2009; inmate Lorenzo Manuel, AKA “Despo,” 43, and Natasha Laing, 51, of Manhattan are charged with first and second-degree Promoting Prison Contraband and varying degrees of Conspiracy. Davis was also indicted on second and thirddegree Bribe Receiving, Official Misconduct, Grand Larceny, Petit Larceny, Corrupting the Government, Defrauding the Government, and Falsifying Business Records. Manuel and Laing were also indicted on second and third-degree Bribery. Davis and Laing have been arraigned before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. They are due back in court on February 10, 2026. Manuel is awaiting arraignment.

According to the investigation by the Bronx District Attorney’s Public Integrity Bureau, the Bronx DA’s Detective Squad, and the Department of Investigation, between May 2024 and November 2024 the defendants allegedly conspired to smuggle contraband into the Otis Bantum Correctional Center (OBCC) on Rikers Island. In return for thousands of dollars in bribes, Davis met with Laing multiple times in Harlem to coordinate contraband deliveries and to collect contraband and payment.

On July 3, 2024, Davis allegedly used his position in OBCC to deliver contraband tobacco to Manuel inside of the 5 North housing area of OBCC. On August 15, 2024, Davis allegedly delivered a carton of cigarettes worth at least $10,000 behind bars, marijuana, a lighter, and specialized security tools to Manuel, inside of the 5 North housing area of OBCC. Those security tools could unfasten the screws on light fixtures, vents and other places where inmates could hide contraband such as cell phones and scalpels. On October 25, 2024, Davis allegedly left his post in OBCC, drove to Harlem, collected additional contraband from Laing, returned to Rikers, and delivered contraband to Manuel in the early morning of October 26, 2024. 

In return for smuggling contraband, Davis allegedly collected cash payments from Laing multiple times, totaling more than $5,000 in bribes. 

In addition to the contraband scheme, Davis also allegedly committed time theft from January 2024 through March 2025, stealing approximately $7,783 in taxpayer dollars. 

District Attorney Clark thanked Correction Officer Investigators Pawel Watroba, Ernesto Gonzalez, Brian Hilario and Squad 1 from the New York City Department of Investigation, and NYPD Detectives Sandy Nunez, Milton Feliberty, Jennifer Cordero, and Sergeant Louis Meade and the Bronx District Attorney’s Squad for their work in the investigation.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

Statement from NYS Gaming Commission Chairman Brian O’Dwyer on Governor Hochul’s State of the State Address New York

“The Gaming Commission fully supports and applauds Governor Hochul’s commitment to protect New Yorkers, including safeguards to prevent underage individuals from gambling and employing innovative tech to identify and help those who may be experiencing gambling harms. The Commission will consider actions to prevent underage access, including the possibility of biometric requirements for account access and real consequences for those who share their legal accounts with underage individuals. We will also continue to work with OASAS to implement the latest technology into the online sports wagering process to best position access to help for those who need it.” 

MAMDANI ADMINISTRATION CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF 3-K & PRE-K APPLICATIONS

 

In new video, Mayor Mamdani encourages families to apply to 3-K and Pre-K 

 

Applications open until February 27, 2026  

 

Visit myschools.nyc to apply or call 718-935-2009  

TODAY, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels celebrated the opening day of 3-K and Pre-K applications with a visit to a 3-K and Pre-K child care center in Cypress Hills. The application is open from today until February 27, 2026 and parents of kids turning 3 or 4 years old this year are encouraged to apply at myschools.nyc. Families can also receive support by calling 718-935-2009 or by visiting one of the City’s 13 Family Welcome Centers across the 5 boroughs for support with their applications. Applications are available in 13 languages online, with interpretation services available in over 200 languages via phone (718-935-2009) or at a Family Welcome Center.  

 

Mayor Mamdani released a new video encouraging New Yorkers to apply for 3-K and Pre-K, marking the start of an aggressive outreach by the new Administration effort to help families apply and enroll. This video will be featured on TaxiTV and LinkNYC.  

 

“New Yorkers have until February 27 to apply for 3-K and Pre-K, and we’re using every tool at our disposal to get the word out,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “Whether on TaxiTV, LinkNYC, or out in your neighborhood, my Administration will be working tirelessly to ensure that New Yorkers know their government is here to serve them. So if you have a child turning 3 or 4 this year, you can apply by visiting myschools.nyc, calling 718-935-2009, or visiting one of our 13 Family Welcome Centers.” 

 

“Every child, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves access to a high-quality early childhood education, and no parent should have to make tough decisions to ensure that their kids are set up for lifelong success,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “I am proud to partner with Mayor Mamdani to get the word out about open 3-K and pre-K applications, while creating systems and programs to support continuity of care for our families.” 

 

Applications are not accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so families should feel free to apply anytime between today and February 27. Any family that applies by the deadline will receive an offer. The City’s Family Welcome Centers are open Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Fridays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Families can call 718-935-2009 from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.  

 

This application cycle comes on the heels of Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul’s historic announcement delivering 2-Care to New York City. As envisioned by the Mamdani Administration, the first year of 2-Care will focus on high-need areas selected by New York City and expand to serve all interested families across the city by year 4. The Mayor will also be partnering with the Governor to strengthen and fix the city’s 3-K program and ensure it achieves its promise of universal access. 

 

About New York City Public Schools: New York City Public Schools is a testament to the history and impact of urban education in the United States. With over 1,600 schools spread across five boroughs, the system is made up of approximately 1 million students and staff, making it the largest public school system in the nation. These schools employ more than 75,000 teachers who deliver a rich tapestry of educational experiences to a student body that reflects the city's vibrant and diverse cultural heritage. This network of educational institutions represents not just the scale of New York City's commitment to public education, but also its dedication to fostering a learning environment that is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself. 

Governor Hochul Announces Child Care Expansion Pilot Partnerships With 3 Counties as Part of Statewide Investments in Universal Child Care

Under New Pilot Program, State Will Partner With Dutchess, Monroe and Broome Counties to Expand Child Care in Their Communities

Part of Governor Hochul’s Statewide Plan to Deliver Universal Child Care For All New York Children Under 5 Through Statewide Universal Pre-K, Launch of 2-Care and Reaching Universal 3K Access in NYC, and Expanded Access to Child Care Subsidies

As part of her $4.5 billion investment to deliver statewide universal child care, Governor Hochul today announced the State will partner with Dutchess County, Monroe County and Broome County in a new State pilot program to help counties offer additional child care options in their communities. This pilot program will include a total of $60 million in State funding, along with new investments from each of the three counties, as they expand child care access with a particular focus on serving children 0-3.

This pilot program is one of many investments that Governor Hochul is making to help deliver universal child care for all under the age of five across New York State, saving New York families billions of dollars each year.

“I'll never stop working to make life more affordable for New Yorkers – and that's why my plan will deliver universal child care for families all across New York,” said Governor Hochul. “As part of my plan to support every county statewide, this new pilot program will help counties develop and expand new models for providing child care for families, regardless of their income status.”

Governor Hochul’s statewide plan to deliver universal child care for all New York children under the age of five also includes:

Achieving Truly Universal Pre-K

While four-year-olds in some parts of New York have long had access to Pre-K, there are dozens of school districts that have not yet been able to make it available. Governor Hochul is providing additional support to ensure truly universal Pre-K for all four-year-olds in the State by the start of the 2028-2029 school year.

The State will not only fund additional seats to achieve universality but will also increase funding for existing seats, bringing them up to the greater of $10,000 or the applicable school district’s current selected foundation aid per pupil, so that districts have what they need to provide high-quality Pre-K. This combination reflects a commitment of roughly a half-billion dollars and will ensure that every child in New York State enters kindergarten ready to learn.

Continuing Access to Low-Cost, Affordable Child Care Assistance Programs

Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York has more than doubled investment in the state’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which provides subsidies to help low-income families access child care. By dramatically increasing the State’s investments in the program while expanding eligibility, the program now supports 2.5 times more children — an additional 100,000 — than when Governor Hochul took office; the number of children served has increased by almost 25 percent in the past year alone. Most of the families of the 170,000 children served by the program pay no more than $15 per week for child care.

This year, Governor Hochul will continue to grow the State’s investment in child care subsidies for those that need it most with a $1.2 billion increased investment, bringing the total available for subsidies to over $3 billion. This is more than 3.5 times more than the $832 million provided prior to the Governor taking office, and a nearly 40 percent increase from what was made available in the FY 2026 Enacted Budget.

Launching 2-Care and Reaching Universal 3K Access in NYC

New York City has already launched universal Pre-K and 3K, and Governor Hochul will partner with New York City to age this program down and launch an unprecedented initiative to offer entirely free child care for two-year-olds within New York City.

The Governor is committing to fully fund the first two years of the city’s implementation. As envisioned by the new mayoral administration, the first year of the program will focus on high-need areas selected by New York City and expand to serve all interested families across the city by year 4. In addition, the Governor will partner with New York City to strengthen and fix the city’s 3K program and ensure it achieves its promise of universal access.

Office of Child Care and Early Education

A new Office of Child Care and Early Education will drive the implementation of high-quality, universal child care in New York State. The Office will oversee and support roll out of universal Pre-K, continued investment in 3K, launch of 2-Care and other innovative care options, expansion and improvement of vouchers, and ongoing support for the workforce.

Supporting the Workforce Through Early Childhood Educator Preparation

Governor Hochul’s plan to strengthen New York’s early childhood education workforce includes expanding existing workforce scholarships, seeking opportunities for new Workforce Pell grants, and directing SUNY and CUNY to take a number of steps to expand and streamline early childhood education programs.

Expanding the Child and Dependent Care Credit to Better Support Families

Governor Hochul will expand and simplify the child and dependent care tax credit to provide an additional average benefit of $575 for 230,000 tax filers. She will also undertake a thorough review of existing tax incentives for employers with the goal of helping them better serve the child care needs of their employees.

Mayor Mamdani Signs Executive Order to Inventory and Cut Fines and Fees for Small Businesses

 

Executive Order 11 directs City agencies to identify ways to cut costs and simplify regulations for small businesses

TODAY, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed Executive Order 11 to create an inventory and identify ways to cut the fees and fines that small businesses pay in New York City. Small businesses face a complex web of over 6,000 regulations and rules, which make it harder to start or grow a business in New York, and drives up costs for businesses and customers alike. The executive order directs the Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice, Julie Su, and seven agencies to create a comprehensive inventory of fees and civil penalties, identify ways to reduce and streamline them, and advance policy reforms to do so in the coming months. Mayor Mamdani signed the executive order on the counter of a locally-owned small business in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn. 

 

“You cannot tell the story of New York without our small businesses. Yet, our City has long made it too hard for these same businesses to open their doors, and to keep them open. With today’s Executive Order, we will bring that chapter to an end, instead delivering relief to businesses from the fines and fees that drive up their costs,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. 

 

“The small business owners who give this city its identity and vibrancy have too rarely been considered in the backrooms where decisions are made. Not on our watch,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su. “Mayor Mamdani was elected to City Hall not solely because his campaign offered solutions for the countless New Yorkers tired of rents being raised, childcare costs soaring year after year, and public transit failing those who rely upon it. He was elected because he spoke to the small business owners of this city as partners and because he knows that when New Yorkers feel a challenge, small business owners often feel it first. For us, uplifting small businesses is a core responsibility of city government.” 

 

Under Executive Order 11, seven City agencies, under the direction of the Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice, must create a full inventory of the fees and civil penalties that they collect and identify whether they can be reduced within 45 days. Within 90 days, these agencies must determine which fees are unnecessary and can be eliminated through a rulemaking process. Within 180 days, city officials will identify even further fees and penalties that require legislative action to be reduced. Lastly, within the next year, city agencies will create a report on the feasibility of an amnesty and relief program for business owners.