Mayor Mamdani Releases Executive Order 13 Report of Audit Findings and Recommendations

Agencies will strengthen protections for immigrant New Yorkers and update protocols governing interactions with federal immigration agents    

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani released the Executive Order 13 Report of Audit Findings and Recommendations. In February, Mayor Mamdani signed Executive Order 13 to mandate a citywide audit of policies and protocols governing interactions between City agencies and federal immigration authorities. In the coming months, the City will implement recommendations from the audit to strengthen protections for immigrant New Yorkers. 

“New York City is home to immigrants from every corner of the world, and no one should live in fear because of their status,” said Mayor Mamdani. “This audit was a critical step towards strengthening compliance with our local laws and reinforcing New York City’s protections for immigrant communities. I am proud to share key findings and recommendations from the audit that will ensure that we are responding to the changing nature of federal immigration enforcement and protecting the rights of all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status.”

"Safeguarding the safety, rights, and dignity of immigrant New Yorkers, especially against abusive immigration enforcement practices, is paramount," said Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner Faiza N. Ali. "Executive Order 13 reflects Mayor Mamdani's commitment to strengthening transparency, accountability, and protections for our immigrant communities. The findings and recommendations released today will strengthen City agencies' protocols when interacting with federal authorities and ensure that all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, can safely access the City services they deserve. I look forward to working with our government partners and all stakeholders to implement the changes identified in this audit and bolster our City's support for immigrant New Yorkers."

This report includes key findings and adopted recommendations from the audit submitted to the Mayor by the Administration of Children’s Services (ACS), Department of Correction (DOC), Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), Department of Probation (DOP), Department of Social Services (DSS), New York City Police Department (NYPD) and New York City Health + Hospitals (H+H). New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) also initiated an internal review of its policies and protocols independent of the formal audit process.

Among other findings, the multiagency audit revealed that federal immigration authorities have intensified their targeting of City shelters, sharply increased the issuance of detainer requests to DOC and the NYPD, and employed increasingly aggressive and misleading tactics.

The audit found that local laws and agency protocols have largely worked as intended to protect the rights of all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status. At the same time, the audit identified areas where City policies and protocols must be strengthened to respond to the changing landscape of federal immigration enforcement.

Examples of agency-specific recommendations adopted by the Mayor include the following:   

1. ACS will strengthen its practice of reviewing determinations for seeking orders of protection, if the safety of the children and/or caregiver can be met otherwise, when there are potential negative immigration consequences for the parent. 
2. DSS will revise protocols and training on access to City property and lots, drawing from lessons learned through the audit of incidents of unauthorized ICE entry in 2025. 
3. NYPD will establish a protocol requiring that the Communications Division notify Operations of any 911 calls related to the presence of federal immigration authorities or immigration matters. Operations will notify Department leadership and a Legal Bureau executive. A patrol executive will be sent to the scene. NYPD will also track these requests. 
4. H+H will develop materials, policy, and/or guidance that addresses protocols for when ICE brings an individual to H+H facilities for medical care. 

The Interagency Response Committee, chaired by the First Deputy Mayor, in consultation with the Chief Counsel to the Mayor and City Hall, the Special Advisor for Strategic Coordination and Operations to the First Deputy Mayor and the Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, with support from the Corporation Counsel and the Law Department, will issue updated citywide guidance and work closely with agencies to implement these policy and protocol changes.

The full report on the audit’s findings and recommendations is available here.  

Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Coast Guard Seize $6.4 Million in Narcotics from Crude Oil Tanker in Port of Los Angeles

A joint boarding operation led to the discovery of 500 pounds of cocaine 

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Coast Guard, and other federal agency partners conducted an operation that seized narcotics from a crude oil tanker in Los Angeles. 

On May 21, HSI Los Angeles, along with the Coast Guard, conducted a joint boarding operation on the Motor Tanker Aquatravesia, a crude oil tanker, in the Port of Los Angeles. A Coast Guard narcotics detection canine alerted the boarding team to suspected contraband, and the team positively identified 500 pounds of cocaine, worth approximately $6.4 million.

“This operation highlights Homeland Security Investigations’ unwavering commitment to combating transnational crime and safeguarding the United States from illicit narcotics,” said Eddy Wang, HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge. “HSI’s swift response and investigative expertise were instrumental in identifying and seizing over 226 kilograms of cocaine destined for our communities. We remain dedicated to pursuing those who attempt to exploit our ports and transportation systems, and to working with our partners to disrupt criminal organizations that threaten public safety.”

“The success of this narcotics seizure is a testament to the coordinated efforts of the DHS enterprise to dismantle the efforts of drug smugglers under our respective authorities and responsibilities,” said Captain Stacey Crecy, Sector Commander at Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach. “Through stellar coordination, we effectively detained the suspect and removed the contraband from the vessel to protect the maritime transportation system and facilitate commerce as quickly as possible.”

HSI arrested one individual, and two others were taken into custody.

This seizure continues record-setting HSI and Coast Guard operations to interdict, seize, and disrupt transshipment of cocaine and other bulk illicit drugs by land and by sea. This includes HSI’s seizure of over 917,000 pounds of cocaine in 2025, as well as accelerated counter-narcotics operations along the southern border. The Coast Guard has seized over 511,000 pounds of cocaine in 2025 – over three times the Service’s annual average – as well as accelerated counter-narcotics operations in the Eastern Pacific through Operation Pacific Viper.

HSI’s and the Coast Guard’s persistent operations and rapid response have denied criminal organizations billions in illicit revenue and prevented the flow of dangerous drugs into American communities.

Jones Beach State Park Drone Show Rescheduled for Monday Evening

 

Due to forecasted inclement weather on Sunday, a planned illuminated drone show at Jones Beach State Park is being rescheduled to Monday evening.

The 20-minute drone light show produced by Grizzly Entertainment will begin at 9 p.m. Monday. The aerial show will feature animation designs consisting of up to 1,000 drones. Animations will include patriotic symbols and imagery to celebrate our nation’s 250^th birthday and honor military personnel. Primary viewing for the show will take place at the park’s Central Mall, where music will be simulcast along the boardwalk for an interactive viewing experience. The show will take place Monday weather permitting.

Additionally, the Revolutionary War Reenactment Village scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 23 and 24, is being relocated indoors to the Boardwalk Café on the Central Mall. The program featuring an array of historical re-enactors will go on as scheduled from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The village was initially planned for Parking Field 3 and 4.

Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN HEROES ON THIS MEMORIAL DAY

On this Memorial Day, we honor and remember the courageous Americans who gave their lives in service to our country. To all our fallen heroes - your sacrifice and that of your families will not be forgotten.

This week, Senator Rivera alongside Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest introduced a new bill to protect our healthcare facilities and patients from ICE. Everyone has the right to access healthcare and to do so without fear. The Safe Access to Care Act (S.101494/Assembly bill number pending) aims to protect healthcare workers in the performance of their duties and help legally prepare them against unlawful ICE actions.

“Every day, our communities face increasing attacks from the federal government, and it is our duty to work tirelessly to protect our neighbors. This legislation, championed by health care workers, will make sure that healthcare facility staff have the training and legal protections they need to feel safe in their workplaces. Our doctors and nurses must be able to focus on what matters most—the care of their patients—while administrative staff should never fear doing their jobs or safeguarding patients’ private health information. This bill is about defending the law, empowering health care workers, and respecting the rights of all New Yorkers,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera.

This week, Senator Rivera held a Health Committee meeting. All 15 bills on the agenda passed the meeting including his Home Care Savings and Reinvestment Act, which would eliminate private insurance middlemen and reinvest savings directly into home care wages and care. They also moved Senator Rivera's Lead Pipe Replacement Act, which would require the replacement of all lead service lines by November 1, 2037.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS & RESOURCES

Junior high school students RSVP HERE

High school students RSVP HERE

NYC Small Business Month Expo

Thursday, May 28 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

60 Pine Street, Manhattan

Registration Link

Free resources, consultations, workshops, and networking to help solve the six top challenges NYC small business owners face – all in one place! 

• Fund Your Business 
  
• Grow Your Business 
  
• Find & Retain Talent 
  
• Build Your Customer Base 
  
• Save Time & Money 
  
• Access Legal Services...and more! 
  

Please Help Us Spread the Word

The following materials are available to make it as easy as possible to promote to your networks: 

• Printable flyers (translated in 10 languages)
  
• PowerPoint slide for presentations
  
• Copy for newsletters and standalone emails
  
• SBS social media posts to amplify on the following channels: 
  
• Facebook
  
• Instagram
  
• LinkedIn
  
• Twitter/X
  

Thank you for your partnership, see below for a list of helpful links, and we hope to see your constituents at the Expo on May 28!

• Promotional Toolkit - Contains email templates, social media posts, and flyers in multiple languages
  
• Community Partner Promotional Briefing - today at 3pm!
  
• NYC Small Business Month Info

NYC Public Schools released 3-K offers on May 19, until June 12. Families will be able to access their child’s offer by logging into MySchools.nyc or by calling 718-935-2009 if you did not apply online.

Families will have until Friday, June 12 to accept offer and complete registration with their school.

BEAT THE HEAT! LEARN MORE ABOUT NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT UNIT’S COOLING CENTER PROGRAM

As a reminder, should extreme heat occur, New Yorkers are advised to stay cool and stay hydrated. Avoid spending prolonged periods of time outdoors. Call 911 immediately if you or someone else shows signs of heat-related illness, such as confusion, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. For more preparedness tips, visit: nyc.gov/BeReady or nyc.gov/beattheheat.

New SNAP Work Requirements: What You Need to Know

New federal rules are changing SNAP work requirements for some New Yorkers. Starting this year, certain adults may need to work, attend job training, or volunteer to keep their benefits.

You may be affected if you are:

● Between ages 18–64

● Not living with a child under 14

● Not exempt due to a health condition or other reason



If these rules apply to you, you may need to take action each month to avoid losing your SNAP benefits.



Check your status and learn what to do: on.nyc.gov/snap.

JOIN A NYC PARKS RECREATION CENTER NEAR YOU!

• Hunts Point Recreation Center | 765 Manida St., Bronx, N.Y.
• Kwame Ture Recreation Center | 1527 Jesup Ave., Bronx, N.Y.
• St. James Recreation Center | 2530 Jerome Ave., Bronx, N.Y.
• St. Mary’s Recreation Center (reopening soon) | 450 Saint Ann’s Ave., Bronx, N.Y.
• Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center | 3225 Reservoir Oval E. Bronx, N.Y.

 

To find out more about what our centers offer and membership, pls use the following link - https://www.nycgovparks.org/programs/recreation-centers/membership

GROWNYC IS HIRING! FARMERS MARKET SITE LEADS NEEDED

VAN NEST MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY ON MONDAY, MAY 25, 2026 AT 12:15PM

 

Please join us on Monday, May 25th with the Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance 
and Bronx County American Legion for a Memorial Day Ceremony at Van Nest Memorial Plaza.
The procession starts at 12:15, just south of the White Plains Road/Van Nest Avenue intersection
and ends on the Plaza for the ceremony. 

We will be celebrating 100 years of the Van Nest Monument at its present location on Unionport and White Plains Road.
Special thank you to Cat Gardiner Author for the photo and to her Korean War Veteran Father and her Uncle Billy
who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II.
The Gardiner-Warose family is a foundational part of the Van Nest community.

Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance

www.facebook.com/VanNestNeighborhoodAlliance

BRONX MAN INDICTED FOR MURDER OF 14-YEAR-OLD BOY WAITING FOR SCHOOL BUS; VICTIM WAS STABBED IN THE HEART

Defendant Also Indicted for Stabbing Man in Subway, Causing Life-Threatening Injuries 

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a Bronx man has been indicted for Murder and additional charges for allegedly stabbing a teen to death in a random act, just five days after he allegedly stabbed a man waiting for a subway train. 

District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly committed two random, horrific acts of violence. He allegedly stabbed 14-year-old Caleb Rijos on his way to school, who used his last breath to try to speak to his father. Caleb’s death shocked and saddened the city. The defendant is also charged with cutting a man in the arm, severing an artery. We must do more to address underlying mental health issues and get services to people before they can harm others.” 

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Waldo Mejia, 29, last of 270 Alexander Avenue, was arraigned on second-degree Murder, first-degree Manslaughter, Attempted Murder in the second-degree, first-degree Assault, two counts of second-degree Assault, and two counts of fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Timothy Lewis. The defendant was remanded and is due back in court on August 18, 2026. The defendant was previously found mentally unfit to stand trial on March 20, 2025, however, was deemed restored to fitness on October 10, 2025. 

According to the investigation, on January 10, 2025, at approximately 10:00 a.m., the defendant approached Caleb Rijos, 14, who was waiting for a bus on Lincoln Avenue and 138th Street. Caleb was looking the other way when Mejia allegedly came up and stabbed him several times in the heart and lungs. The boy ran and collapsed on the street after calling his father on the phone for help. A good Samaritan flagged down an ambulance. Caleb died at NYC Health + Hospitals Lincoln.

Five days earlier, on January 5, 2025, at approximately 3:50 a.m., the defendant allegedly followed a 38-year-old man into the No. 6 train subway station at 138th Street and Alexander Avenue. In the stairwell of the station, the defendant allegedly stabbed the victim in the arm, with the knife severing his brachial artery, and entering his chest. The victim was admitted into intensive care and received multiple surgeries. 

District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Paulo Ruiz of the 40th Precinct Squad, Detective Patrick Curran of the Bronx Homicide Squad, Detective Eli Torres of the Bronx Robbery Squad, and Detective Brian Doyle of the Bronx Transit Crime Squad. 

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

12 Members of Violent “Crown Hill Enterprise” in Indianapolis Indicted on Federal RICO Charges, Including Murder

 

A federal grand jury returned a 28‑count indictment Wednesday charging 12 alleged members of a racketeering enterprise accused of orchestrating widespread criminal activity in Indianapolis, including murder, kidnapping, assault, arson, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms crimes.The first of these defendants made their initial appearance today in the Southern District of Indiana.

“The superseding indictment in this case alleges, among other things, that these defendants shot and killed a man for slamming the door of a drug house, shot another man in the leg for a $40 drug debt, pistol-whipped at least two other people, and dealt all manner of drugs, including heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This type of alleged drug dealing and violence ruins communities, people, and their families. Drugs and gang violence are a scourge. These groups will be dismantled and prosecuted.” 

“The allegations in this indictment describe a criminal organization that maintained a grip on Indianapolis neighborhoods for years through fear, violence, and devastation,” said U.S. Attorney Tom Wheeler for the Southern District of Indiana. “We will not allow groups that traffic deadly drugs, terrorize residents, and retaliate against witnesses to operate with impunity. We are grateful for the outstanding work of our federal, state, and local partners whose collaboration made today’s charges possible.”

“Violent criminal organizations that use fear, intimidation, and physical violence to further their operations have no place in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office. “This case reflects the FBI’s commitment to working alongside our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those responsible for fueling violence and organized criminal activity. We will continue using every available resource to protect the public and pursue those who believe they can operate above the law.”

 “This gang used firearms, arson and violence to intimidate the public and protect their criminal activities,” said Director Rob Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “Working with our law enforcement partners, we brought the full weight of our investigative capabilities to bear. We are proud of our work on this case, and we will continue to dismantle violent gangs like Crown Hill, hold their members accountable and bring them to justice for the American communities they threaten.”

According to court documents, between early 2019 and December 2024, the criminal organization known as the “Crown Hill Enterprise” allegedly operated to distribute an array of illegal drugs through no fewer than 11 different “trap houses” located throughout Indianapolis. The gang created fictitious business entities to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of its illicit drug proceeds.

The enterprise sought to preserve, expand, and protect its power, territory, reputation, and profits through intimidation and acts of violence, including murder, kidnapping, assault, arson, threats of violence, and the display of firearms. On multiple occasions, defendants Tre J. Dunn, 28, and Tanesha M. Turner, 40, both of Indianapolis, beat and shot individuals they believed had stolen drug proceeds, were associated with rival drug dealers, or owed a drug debt to the gang.

As alleged, on Nov. 3, 2024, Turner and an associate kidnapped an individual over a $40 debt related to fronted narcotics. The next day, Dunn and another gang member beat and fatally shot a victim after he allegedly disrespected Turner by slamming the door of a trap house.

As part of the workings of the gang, defendants and other gang members allegedly sought to obstruct law enforcement investigations by intimidating potential witnesses and retaliating against those they believed cooperated with police. On April 23, 2024, defendant Nahamani I. Sargent, 35 of Indianapolis, and other gang members fired gunshots and threw Molotov cocktails at a residence where they believed an individual had provided information to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department that led to the execution of a state search warrant at one of the organization’s trap houses.

During multiple court-authorized searches, law enforcement seized 35 firearms and a machinegun conversion device, along with drugs and cash.

The FBI, ATF, and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department are investigating this case. 

Trial Attorney Samuel Benjamin Tonkin of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley Blackington and Kelsey Massa for the Southern District of Indiana are prosecuting the case. 

An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

U.S. Attorney Announces Conviction Of Daniel Sikkema For Murder-For-Hire

 

“Daniel Sikkema was found guilty of hiring a hitman to murder his husband in cold blood,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Amid contentious divorce proceedings with his then-husband, Daniel Sikkema used a burner phone line to callously order the killing of his husband in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  As a result of great investigative work by the FBI, Daniel Sikkema’s efforts to evade detection were thwarted.  The tragedy of Brent Sikkema’s death now has a meaningful measure of justice as a unanimous jury of New Yorkers has held Daniel Sikkema accountable for this senseless, cold-blooded murder.”