Mayor Mamdani Provides Update on Action Plan for Jails, Migrant Shelters

 

TODAY, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani provided an update on the City’s plan to meet the Board of Correction (BOC) minimum standards and implement Local Law 42.   

  

The Mayor directed the Law Department and Department of Correction (DOC) to develop a plan in collaboration with the newly appointed remediation manager, the Nunez Monitor, the City Council and all parties involved in the Nunez case to improve conditions on Rikers Island for both staff and people in custody. The directive was issued through Emergency Executive Order 1.   

  

The plan requires ending 12-hour shifts for all correctional staff by spring 2026 and returning to eight-hour tours. It calls for a plan by summer 2027 to end commingling — the practice of housing people in custody of all ages together — through facility assessments and adjustments. It also calls for a plan to formalize pre-arraignment court security operations with the New York City Police Department through a renewed memorandum of understanding.  

  

The DOC will immediately return to standard procurement rules. The Mayor also signed Emergency Executive Order 1.9, which ends procurement-related suspensions, continues to suspend other provisions of the law, and directs the DOC and the Law Department to regularly update the mayor regarding additional suspensions that can be lifted as the City works to implement the action plan.   

  

“Today, we are taking a decisive step to improve conditions and move our jail system toward long-term stability and safety for those in custody and correction staff,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “For too long, city government allowed entrenched problems and operational breakdowns to persist. This plan shifts us away from temporary stopgaps and toward sustainable reform.”  

  

“At Mayor Mamdani’s direction, the Department of Correction and Law Department developed this plan to address long-standing issues in our jail system,” said Corporation Counsel Steve Banks. “We will begin implementing it in coordination with the remediation manager and, when required, with the approval of the remediation manager, the Monitor and the Court. Our goal is clear: achieve compliance with Board of Correction standards, implement Local Law 42, strengthen oversight and improve conditions at Rikers Island.”    

  

“This plan marks an important next step in addressing issues that have festered for far too long,” said DOC Commissioner Stanley Richards. “Under Mayor Mamdani’s leadership, we are moving from crisis-driven operations to safe, sustainable jail management.”  

  

Shelter Plan  

  

The City has produced a plan to return the shelter system to compliance with legal and regulatory standards that were suspended in response to the asylum-seeker humanitarian crisis.   

   

The plan focuses on three priorities: closing the last remaining emergency asylum seeker shelter site and transitioning residents into compliant Department of Homeless Services (DHS) facilities; bringing single-adult shelters into compliance with capacity limits; and meeting compliance standards for family shelters, with a focus on access to cooking facilities.   

  

The City will pursue these goals through phased transitions, accelerating exits to permanent housing and strengthening prevention and diversion programs to reduce the overall shelter census.  

  

Assemblymember John Zaccaro - Reserve Your Spot TODAY for the Black History Month Dinner at the Bronx Zoo

 

Friends,

There are a few tickets available for our inaugural Black History Month Dinner at the Bronx Zoo, taking place THIS 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. 

With gratitude,

John Zaccaro, Jr.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Join us: (TOMORROW) Lunar New Year Celebration

 

NEW YORK STATE AWARDS $6 MILLION TO FUND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS RESPONSE TEAMS

 

Funding to Help Urban, Suburban, and Rural Communities Statewide to Establish Health-Led Crisis Response Services for Behavioral Health Emergencies  

Pilot Programs to Incorporate Trained Behavioral Health Professionals and Peers into Crisis Response  

The New York State Office of Mental Health announced the conditional award of $6 million to fund pilot programs in three communities across the state to ensure that crisis response systems prioritize a health-led response to behavioral health crisis. The funding will provide $2 million each to the city of Rochester, Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services, and Children’s Home of Jefferson County to provide a safe, compassionate response for New Yorkers in crisis.   

“By establishing a health-led system of response, communities can safely, effectively, and compassionately respond to individuals who experience a behavioral health crisis,” OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “These pilot programs, in conjunction with our Technical Assistance Center, will provide a roadmap for other communities across the State to develop a health-led behavioral health crisis response system.”  

“Ensuring that individuals in a behavioral health crisis have immediate access to help and support can save their life and is often the first step they take towards recovery,” OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said. “With this innovative pilot program, the expansion of these teams will connect more people to services, furthering the strong system of support in communities across New York State.” 

The funding will allow recipients to use teams with trained behavioral health professionals and include peer support staff in their crisis response system. The resulting system will be trauma-informed, community-based, and prioritize racial equity, cultural humility, and harm reduction for New Yorkers across their lifespan.  

The city of Rochester will use the funding to expand its Person In Crisis team, which operates around the clock, is dispatched through 911, 988, and 211, and responds to calls without law enforcement. The city’s pilot will include peer navigators to provide in-person responses to support engagement, instill hope, and coordinate with the emergency response social workers to provide follow-up services to individuals, their families, and caregivers.  

Children’s Home of Jefferson County was awarded funding to address service gaps and reduce reliance on law enforcement as primary responders in Jefferson and Lewis counties. This model will incorporate certified peer specialists to accompany licensed clinicians in responding to crisis calls, providing around-the-clock coverage for the geographically dispersed rural communities in this area, and ensuring linkages are made for ongoing care.  

Central Nassau Guidance will collaborate with community partners and stakeholders to implement a health-lead crisis response that will build upon existing Mobile Crisis Teams to include clinicians and peers responding together to in-person crisis needs. This model will elevate the role of peers, integrate co-occurring disorder crisis response, update protocols, and provide education within the suburban communities of Suffolk County.  

In addition, OMH and the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports have established the Behavioral Health Crisis Technical Assistance Center, which will be housed at OMH and funded with $2 million in the FY 2026 budget. This center will develop and support the implementation of standardized protocols for community-based, public health-led response to behavioral health emergencies and provide training and technical assistance to localities on their crisis plans.   

OMH also collaborated with OASAS to assemble an Advisory Council of key stakeholders, which convened for the first time in January 2026 and will advise and review the work of the center. The members include advocates, clinicians, emergency responders, law enforcement, and others, with a majority of members having lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges.    

The pilot programs, Behavioral Health Crisis Technical Assistance Center and Advisory Council were all created upon the recommendation of the Daniel’s Law Task Force. The Task Force was charged with developing recommendations to guide behavioral health crisis response and exploring avenues for related diversion services.  

DEC Announces Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Online Exam

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced a new online exam for people seeking to become licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators (NWCOs). To provide enhanced access, DEC is offering these examinations online and free of charge. 

“As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the customer experience, DEC is proud to offer these free examinations online,” DEC’s Deputy Commissioner for Natural Resources Katharine Petronis said. “This process makes it easier for individuals to meet examination requirements, apply for a license, and take part in helping others safely respond in situations where wildlife is damaging property or has become a nuisance.” 

A NWCO is a person at least 18 years of age who is authorized to take/trap, transport, and release wildlife whenever an animal becomes a nuisance, destroys property, or threatens public safety. Licensed individuals can conduct these activities for commercial purposes or as an employee of a municipality. 

Applicants are not required to be a resident of New York State to receive a NWCO license.  

The 2 hour exam can be completed any time between 7 am and 11 pm on the assigned date.  

2026 NWCO Examination Schedule
Exam Date	Exam Times	Registration Must be Received by
March 13, 2026	7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.	March 12, 2026
April 17, 2026	7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.	April 16, 2026
May 15, 2026	7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.	May 14, 2026
June 26, 2026	7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.	June 25, 2026
July 17, 2026	7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.	July 16, 2026
August 14, 2026	7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.	August 13, 2026
November 6, 2026	7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.	November 5, 2026
December 11, 2026	7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.	December 10, 2026

All exams will be online. Exam and registration instructions and a NWCO training manual can be found on DEC’s “Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator” webpage. 

To register, visit the “NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Special Licenses Exam Registration - Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Exam” webpage. Applicants will receive an email acknowledging registration with a one-time link to access the exam on the specified exam date. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive information on applying for the license, including an application form. Please do not send applications or fees prior to passing the examination. 

For questions or assistance please contact: 

DEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752 

Email: SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov

Phone: 518-402-8985

Say “I Do” to Smart Planning: After Valentine’s Day, NYS Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Shares Wedding Tips for Newly Engaged New Yorkers

Make savvy shopping choices and watch out for scammers when planning your big day 

Secretary Mosley: “While this is an exciting time, it often comes with significant expenses and important decisions that can leave consumers vulnerable to scams.”

With Valentine’s Day a popular day to propose, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing tips to help recently engaged couples make informed choices and avoid scammers when planning their wedding. Weddings are beautiful occasions to celebrate marriage among loved ones. Coordinating vendors, paying deposits, handling legal documents and managing busy schedules can make wedding planning an overwhelming process, and the emotional and financial pressures can make couples more vulnerable to fraud. Scammers are always looking for opportunities to steal money from consumers. Whether planning for 20 or 200 guests, weddings are a big task, but consumers can follow important steps to avoid scams and make informed choices for their big day.

 “With the post Valentine’s Day engagement boom, many newly engaged New Yorkers are beginning the wedding planning process,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “While this is an exciting time, it often comes with significant expenses and important decisions that can leave consumers vulnerable to scams. By doing their research, reading contracts carefully, and staying alert to red flags, couples can protect their money and focus on celebrating their big day without the worry of being scammed.”

 

AVOID WEDDING SCAMS:

 

Avoid too-good-to-be-true offers on social media: Social media is full of personalized advertisements. Many couples might start seeing ads for wedding related products and services once engaged. However, fake accounts created by scammers may offer big discounts for products that are of poor quality or never arrive. Always research businesses outside of social media and read customer reviews before making purchases online. Avoid responding to unsolicited quotes or offers from vendors on social media.

 

Beware of fake businesses or services: Scammers can pose as photographers, florists, wedding planners, and other vendors to steal consumers’ money. They often create websites and online profiles with fake or stolen pictures, videos, and testimonials to mimic legitimate businesses. They may require hefty deposits or full payment up front but then disappear after getting the money. Always vet businesses before sending money by doing your research, asking for references, and scheduling a meeting to ask specific questions about their work.

 

Avoid vendors without contracts: When you hire a vendor for your wedding day, you are entrusting the business to provide high-quality service for the big day. Reputable vendors will require a contract that includes the exact terms to which the vendor and consumer agree. This protects the business and the consumer by setting clearly defined expectations for the purchase. Always read these documents carefully, ask questions before signing, and keep all agreements and revisions in writing.

 

Don’t fall for phishing scams or “Free” honeymoon raffles: Never respond to offers to claim a “prize” from a raffle you didn’t enter. They are scams. Sometimes, bridal expositions may host raffles for real honeymoon trips, but consumers should be aware that “free” vacations are often sales pitches for timeshares that require costly deposits, fees, and mandatory appointments. Watch out for high-pressure tactics and do not let yourself get pushed into quickly accepting an offer. See the Division’s alert on planning holiday travel for more information on avoiding travel scams.

 

 

BE A SAVVY SHOPPER AND FIND WAYS TO SAVE:

 

Don’t buy what you don’t need: Wedding vendors, like venues, photographers, and caterers, often provide multiple “package” options in varying price ranges. These packages might have features or services you may not need or want. When getting quotes from vendors, have conversations about whether there is flexibility in their packages. If you negotiate, some vendors may be able to remove features you don’t want in exchange for a discount.

 

Watch out for fees: Always ask vendors if their quotes include taxes, fees, gratuities, and other applicable costs. These additional costs can add up and put you unexpectedly over budget. Some vendors do not include taxes or service fees in their quotes, but they should inform you of all costs and fees before you sign any contract or agree to do business with them.

 

Get everything in writing: Make sure all quotes, agreements, contracts and decisions you negotiate with businesses are in writing. Keep copies of all documents for your records. Using one email inbox dedicated to wedding planning can help you and your partner stay organized.

 

Think flexibly: Booking your wedding date off-season or on a weekday may offer a substantial discount compared to more popular days and seasons. Also consider non-traditional venues or other creative choices to stay within budget while saving for the aspects you and your partner care about the most.

If you’re looking for ideas for your wedding location, check out I LOVE NY’s The Ultimate Guide to New York State Wedding Venues. It provides various luxury, unique and affordable options throughout the State. 

For the specific requirements of getting married in New York State, visit the Department of Health’s site for details.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, X and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The Division can also be reached via X at @NYSConsumer or Facebook.

ICE Arrests Criminal Illegal Alien and Pedophile Released from Connecticut Jail by Sanctuary Policies

 

Connecticut’s Trust Act limits local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE, allowing criminals—including child predators—to be released from jails back into American neighborhoods

On February 13, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested Christian Espinosa-Sarango, a pedophile and criminal illegal alien from Ecuador who was previously RELEASED from a jail back into Connecticut communities by sanctuary policies. This pedophile was charged for sexual assault, illegal sexual contact with a child, and enticing minors with a computer in North Haven, Connecticut, on December 19, 2025.

According to local reports, Espinosa-Sarango made contact with an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing as the aunt of a 13-year-old through an online chat. He allegedly asked for photographs of the young girl and sex. Espinosa-Sarango also made plans to meet with the child at a hotel room, where he was arrested.

Christian Espinosa-Sarango

On December 23, ICE lodged an arrest detainer asking local law enforcement to not release this pedophile without notifying ICE. Because of the state’s sanctuary policies, the detainer was not honored, and he was RELEASED from jail onto Connecticut's streets.

On February 13, ICE officers arrested this public safety threat at large instead of safely transferring him into ICE custody.

During the arrest, Espinosa-Sarango refused to comply with lawful orders, first attempting to flee in his vehicle, and then refusing to roll his window down, requiring our officers to break his window in order to successfully apprehend this criminal.

“These are the types of monsters Connecticut sanctuary politicians are releasing from their jails and onto the streets to perpetuate more crimes against children,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “We need local law enforcement to cooperate with us to get these heinous criminals out of our neighborhoods. 7 of the 10 safest cities in the United States cooperate with ICE. This is a perfect example of why sanctuary policies make Americans less safe. Thankfully, because of our brave ICE agents, Christian Espinosa-Sarango, a pedophile, will never walk American streets again. Sanctuary politicians must stop releasing pedophiles, murderers, rapists, and kidnappers into our neighborhoods.”

Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the United States.

Two Men Face Federal Charges for Trafficking Five Kilograms of Fentanyl in Metro Atlanta

 

Osiel Adame-Gomez and Miguel Velazquez-Garcia appeared in federal court to face charges related to their alleged distribution of large quantities of fentanyl.

“Fentanyl is a highly lethal weapon of mass destruction that the narco-terrorist cartels have wormed into our country,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “We will continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute fentanyl traffickers to keep the community safe from this deadly drug threat.” 

“This seizure underscores the power of coordinated enforcement efforts,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Together with our federal, state, and local partners, we are aggressively targeting the sources of fentanyl distribution and the financial infrastructure that sustains it. Every enforcement action brings us closer to a Fentanyl-Free America.”

According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg and the criminal complaints filed in federal court:  Earlier this month, DEA special agents learned about an intended sale of fentanyl to take place at a Doraville warehouse facility out of a rented moving truck. On February 5, 2026, agents arrived at the warehouse and spotted Adame-Gomez with a rented moving truck. Agents then saw Adame-Gomez drive the truck to a second location, exit with a black backpack, and walk towards a storage facility. Law enforcement attempted to stop Adame-Gomez after he emerged from the storage facility without the backpack, but he fled. Officers eventually apprehended and arrested him in Dunwoody, Georgia and searched the storage facility. During the search, agents recovered a black backpack containing one kilogram of fentanyl with a value of approximately $30,000. 

Four days later, on February 9, 2026, DeKalb County police officers stopped Velazquez-Garcia’s car in Stone Mountain, Georgia, and a police K9 alerted to the odor of narcotics. A search of the car revealed the presence of one kilogram of fentanyl. During subsequent searches of houses associated with Velazquez-Garcia in Stone Mountain and Stonecrest, Georgia, DEA agents seized an additional three kilograms of fentanyl and a large amount of suspected drug proceeds. 

Osiel Adame-Gomez, 27, of Loganville, Georgia, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John K. Larkins III, on February 9, 2026, on a criminal complaint that charged him with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Miguel Velazquez-Garcia, 26, of Atlanta, Georgia, appeared before Judge Larkins on February 11, 2026, on a criminal complaint that charged him with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Judge Larkins ordered both defendants to remain in federal custody without bail pending trial.

Members of the public are reminded that the criminal complaints only contain charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

These cases are being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with valuable assistance provided by the Gwinnett County Police Department and the DeKalb County Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johnny Baer, Jamie Bircoll, and John DeGenova are prosecuting the cases.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.