I need to speak plainly about something that should stop every American in their tracks. Yesterday in Minneapolis, federal immigration agents killed another American citizen in broad daylight. His name was Alex Pretti. He was 37 years old. He was an ICU nurse, someone whose job was saving lives. Video shows him doing something he was trained to do — to help people.
He was trying to reach over and help a woman in need when she was thrown to the ground by federal agents. And within seconds, federal agents threw him to the ground and fired a shot, not one, but a barrage of bullets into his body on a public sidewalk in America.
The federal government claims the killing was justified. This nurse with nothing more than his cell phone in his hand, that he was trying to kill them — that's their story. But anyone who's seen this horrific video, multiple videos, knows that this is a shameless, boldface lie. This is not a threat that needed to be neutralized. It was a civilian exercising the free right to protest.
And this is a continuation of a deadly pattern, a pattern of violence. It is well known that earlier this month, federal agents also shot a mother of three in the face when she just extended a greeting to him. Two American families destroyed; confidence in federal law enforcement shattered.
At the same time, ICE agents are arresting children — a 5-year-old returning from preschool — using them as bait. A 2-year-old taken on the way home from a grocery store with her dad. Now we have children caught up in armed engagement, scooped off the street by masked men while our federal leaders feed the false narratives instead of taking responsibility.
But videos don't lie. And don't stop believing what your eyes tell you. Their cruelty, these instances, what is going on and unfolding in streets of America today shocks the conscience of every human being with a heart.
When federal agents use lethal force against civilians and then prevent state authorities from fully investigating, it violates the basic principles of a democracy. What it does is makes everyone feel unsafe — everyone. Nationwide over the last 13 months, ICE has detained hundreds of U.S. citizens, and dozens of people have died in their custody.
Now, Donald Trump's handpicked leader of the Department of Homeland Security has proven to be unable and unwilling to follow the law to stop these killings. Kristi Noem has referred to these peaceful protestors as “domestic terrorists” and lied about the shooting victims being the aggressors. She told law enforcement officers to put on masks and military fatigues to basically treat the American public as the enemy.
She has shown a profound disregard for human life and created a culture where people feel unrestrained in how they're handling encounters with the people in this country. Kristi Noem has forfeited her right to lead, and I'm calling on her to resign as Secretary of Homeland Security or Donald Trump to do the right thing and just fire her. And if not, she must be removed or impeached. And Gregory Bovino — who has helped lead, and defend and escalate these operations — should also be fired.
It's a shame I have to say this in America, but no one is above the law. No one, not an ICE agent, not a federal officer, not the President of the United States. And make no mistake, when these people who have abused the power entrusted to them by their offices are finally out of power, states, including New York, will hold them accountable.
I'll have more to report on further actions the State of New York will be taking in the upcoming days.
TODAY, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels (NYCPS) announced
The decision prioritizes the safety of students, families, and staff while ensuring continuity of instruction and meeting New York State’s 180-day instructional requirement.
All after-school programs, adult education and other school-based programming are canceled. The transition to remote instruction will impact approximately 500,000 students across more than 1,100 schools. For high school students and students in grades six through eight attending schools that serve grades six through twelve, the previously scheduled professional learning day will remain in effect and Monday will remain a day off.
“As snowfall begins to blanket our city and conditions become hazardous, closing school buildings is a necessary step to keep New Yor
“Preparation matters, especially in moments like this,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels. “I am grateful to our school communities for the work they’ve done over the last several days – from stress-testing technology to securing buildings and getting virtual classrooms ready. This was a difficult decision made with the safety of every family in mind, and I thank you for your flexibility.”
Over the past week, schools worked to confirm that students have the tools needed to participate in remote learning, and NYCPS coordinated with vendors to stress-test login systems across digital platforms and a range of scenarios. Schools are prepared to address technology issues if they arise. Students who need technical support can visit selfservice.schools.nyc
Charter and nonpublic schools make independent decisions regarding closures. However, charter schools co-located in NYC public school buildings will be closed when NYCPS pivots to remote instruction.
All programs, classes, and building access are suspended for the day.
Please stay safe and warm. 
A new report by Comptroller DiNapoli analyzes New York City’s child care services for those under the age of five, including the demand for these programs and current measures of success, and found there are opportunities to utilize existing data to increase the cost efficiency of programs and direct expansion efforts based on the greatest need.
“The rising cost of child care, especially for children under five, is a major affordability issue facing New Yorkers, forcing many parents to choose between working and taking care of their children,” DiNapoli said. “Governor Hochul’s recently unveiled child care expansion proposal, supported by Mayor Mamdani, is laudable and aims to provide services to tens of thousands of additional children across the state in the next two years and grow over time. Mayor Mamdani has made universal child care a priority for his administration. My office has found that existing programs in New York City are fragmented and data on outcomes and cost can be better utilized so expansion efforts are done in a cost-efficient manner and are directed to those most in need.”
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Comptroller DiNapoli and Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt announced the indictment and arrest of the former longtime treasurer of the City of Dunkirk, for public corruption, grand larceny and false filing charges stemming from his alleged theft of over $120,000 from the city and covering up the theft by falsifying city records.
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Thirty-one school districts were designated in some level of fiscal stress under Comptroller DiNapoli’s Fiscal Stress Monitoring System for the school fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, up from 22 districts in fiscal stress the prior year.
“In recent years, pandemic-related federal funding as well as increases in state aid have provided districts with significant financial support,” DiNapoli said. “With much of the relief funding having been spent, the number of school districts in fiscal stress has returned to pre-pandemic levels this year. As districts continue to adjust to these conditions, officials should make every effort to ensure budgets are structurally balanced to avoid fiscal problems going forward.”
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Comptroller DiNapoli has filed a shareholder proposal, on behalf of The New York State Common Retirement Fund, that calls on Uber to publish a report explaining how it is addressing incidents of riders being sexually harassed and assaulted. Published reports have revealed that Uber received a report of sexual assault or misconduct in the U.S. nearly every eight minutes from 2017 to 2022, or more than 400,000 reported incidents.
“For Uber to succeed, its users need to feel safe and not have a shred of doubt about using the service,” DiNapoli said. “The company should increase transparency about what it’s doing to protect riders from these horrifying incidents. Being open about the steps it’s taking is key to restoring customers’ trust and protecting the company’s reputation and value.”
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Friends,
I’m excited to invite you to our inaugural Black History Month Dinner at the Bronx Zoo, taking place on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Bronx Zoo’s beautiful Schiff Hall.
Join us for an evening of community and celebration as we honor Black History Month and recognize the lasting impact, proud traditions, and remarkable individuals from the Bronx—past and present.
This event is FREE and open to the community, but attendance is by reservation only, so please be sure to RSVP today to reserve your seat.
For RSVP details, please see the flyer below or click here.
The affordable housing lottery has launched for 2305 Belmont Avenue, a six-story residential building in Belmont, the Bronx. Designed by Hany Demetry of Sotir Associates and developed by George Sarantis under the 2305 Belap LLC, the structure yields 12 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are four units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $95,966 to $227,500.
Amenities include pet-friend policies and an elevator. Residences are equipped with air conditioning, intercoms, and energy-efficient appliances. Tenants are responsible for electricity including stove, hot water, and heat.
At 130 percent of the AMI, there are three one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,525 for incomes ranging from $95,966 to $189,540, and one two-bedroom with a monthly rent of $3,000 for incomes ranging from $117,360 to $227,500.
Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than February 12, 2026.
