Governor Hochul Announces Five-Year Labor Agreement with Civil Service Employee Association

Agreement with CSEA Covers More Than 55,000 New York State Employees, One of the Largest Public Employee Unions in the State

Agreements Include Yearly Salary Increases, Increases in Location Pay and Changes in Health Benefits

Contract Subject to Union Membership Ratification

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that her administration has reached a contract agreement with the Civil Service Employee Association (CSEA) for a five-year term running until April 1, 2031. The agreement is subject to ratification by union membership, which includes more than 55,000 New York State employees in a wide variety of roles.

“This agreement is a fair deal for both CSEA members and the State of New York,” Governor Hochul said. “Here in New York State, we value public servants and their dedication in making the Empire State a better place to live for all New Yorkers. I thank the leadership of CSEA for their work in realizing this deal, and I thank the members of CSEA for their commitment and contributions in delivering essential services to the people of New York State.”

CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan said, “We applaud Governor Hochul’s recognition of the hard work CSEA members provide to the state every day through this fair contract. This agreement delivers meaningful wage increases and helps address affordability challenges working people are facing.”

The agreement includes increases in salary for employees in each year of the agreement. The agreement also includes paid prenatal leave, increases in location pay and health insurance changes that reduce costs for employees by eliminating certain co-pays and minimizing reliance on out of network providers.

CSEA represents New York State employees in four bargaining units. The contract agreement must be ratified by CSEA rank and file members.

 

DEC REMINDS NEW YORKERS TO HELP KEEP WILDLIFE AND PEOPLE SAFE: IF YOU CARE, LEAVE IT THERE

 

Fawns, Baby Birds, and Other Young Animals Are Rarely Abandoned and Handling or Moving Animals Carries Risks

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminded New Yorkers to appreciate wildlife from a safe distance and resist the urge to touch or move young wildlife. As weather warms and seasons shift, sightings of wildlife are more common. Fawns, baby birds, and other young wildlife may seem abandoned, but their parents are often close by, and well-intentioned interference can pose risks to the animals and humans.

“With spring well underway, young wildlife is beginning to reappear in backyards, neighborhoods, and parks,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “While some might think these baby animals need assistance, human interactions with wildlife typically do more harm than good. Please remember—if you care, leave it there.”

Avoid Interactions with Young Wildlife

Interacting with young wildlife can be problematic for the animals and people. When young wildlife venture into the world, for a brief time they may have limited ability to fly or walk on their own. While one or both parents teach survival skills to their offspring, some young wildlife receive little or no care. DEC reminds the public that young wild animals like fawns and baby birds are rarely abandoned. Parents often place their young somewhere to keep them hidden from predators while they are off collecting food.

Fawns are born during late May and early June, and although they can walk shortly after birth, they spend most of their first several days lying still in tall grass, leaf litter, or sometimes relatively unconcealed. During this period, a fawn is usually left alone by the adult female (doe), except when nursing. Fawns are vulnerable to predators during this period. If human presence is detected by the doe, the doe may delay its next visit to nurse.

Fawns should never be picked up. A fawn's protective coloration and ability to remain motionless help it avoid detection by predators and people. By the end of a fawn's second week of life, it begins to move about, spend more time with the doe, and eat on its own. At about 10 weeks of age, fawns are no longer dependent on milk, although they continue to nurse occasionally into the fall.

Bird nestlings can have closed eyes and can be featherless, spending approximately two weeks in the nest until they begin to outgrow the space. Once they outgrow the nest, nestlings become fledglings, a bird with developed feathers, and begin to flap their wings and learn how to fly. In both stages (nestlings and fledglings) the adult birds are nearby and care for them. If a nestling is found on the ground and cannot be easily and safely returned to the nest, the public is advised to refrain from approaching and instead should call a wildlife rehabilitator.

Fledglings, on the other hand, can hop and flutter on their own, and spend short periods out of the nest on the ground or in low branches. If a young bird is alert, fully feathered, and moving around, people are encouraged to watch from a distance and not intervene.

A Reminder Regarding Avian Influenza

Avian influenza is a viral disease in wild birds such as ducks and geese, gulls, raptors, and shorebirds that is commonly called “bird flu.” DEC’s Wildlife Health Program monitors the occurrence and impact across the state. You can report suspected avian influenza bird mortalities to DEC. Once completed, the form will automatically be forwarded to regional staff who will determine the best course of action to follow. Avian influenza is widespread in wild birds and mammals, so not all reports will result in DEC retrieving the animals for testing and/or disposal.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the recent HPAI detections in birds pose a low risk to the public. People should minimize contact between wild birds, especially waterfowl, and domestic animals to reduce animal and human health risks.

Sick or Injured Animals

Anyone who encounters a wild animal that is injured or obviously orphaned should call a trained and DEC-licensed wildlife rehabilitator. It is illegal to keep wildlife as pets. Wild animals are not well suited for life in captivity and may carry diseases that can be given to people.

Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are the only people legally allowed to receive and treat distressed wildlife, and have the experience, expertise, and facilities to successfully treat and release wild animals.

Additionally, the public should note the increased risk of rabies in mammals and are reminded not to handle species like skunk, foxes, raccoons, or bats directly. Anyone who observes wildlife that appears to be behaving abnormally should contact their closest DEC regional wildlife office or an Environmental Conservation Police Officer. For more information on wildlife health, visit DEC’s webpage.

Additionally, DEC reminds the public that young wildlife are not pets. Keeping wildlife in captivity without authorization from DEC is illegal and harmful to animals and people. Wild animals are not well-suited to life in captivity and may carry diseases that can be transferred to humans. DEC also advises the public to keep domestic pets indoors when young wild animals are present. Many fledgling birds cannot fly well when they first leave the nest and are easy prey for house cats.

Most people have the best intentions when they find wild animals, but if a fawn, baby bird, or other young wildlife is found, please remember, “If You Care, Leave It There.”

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions about young wildlife, visit DEC’s website.

CORRECT THE RECORD: DHS Debunks Sanctuary Politicians’ Smears About ICE’s Delaney Hall Facility in New Jersey

 

Sanctuary politicians’ smears have directly contributed to a coordinated attack against ICE law enforcement officers outside Delaney Hall

Sanctuary politicians and leftist activists have been spreading FALSE information about the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Newark, New Jersey. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement debunking many of those lies.

“Another day, another hoax about ICE detention facilities. Sanctuary politicians are spreading categorically false smears about ICE’s Delaney Hall facility in New Jersey. These types of smears are inciting violent riots outside the ICE facility in New Jersey,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “These sanctuary politicians need to stop with the political theatre. No lawbreakers in the history of human civilization have been better treated than illegal aliens. They are provided 3 meals a day, medical care, and receive full due process.”

Below are some of the most egregious examples of falsehoods being told about Delaney Hall:

CLAIM: There is a lack of medical care for illegal aliens detained at Delaney.

FACT: It is a longstanding practice to provide comprehensive medical care from the moment an alien enters ICE custody. This includes medical, dental, and mental health services as available, and access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care. For many illegal aliens, this is the best healthcare they have received their entire lives.

CLAIM: There is an ongoing hunger strike among the inmates at Delaney.

FACT: There is no hunger strike at Delaney Hall. All detainees are provided with 3 meals a day. Meals are certified by dieticians.

CLAIM: ICE custody deaths have reached a record high under the Trump Administration.

FACT: There has been no spike in deaths. Consistent with data over the last decade, death rates in custody under the Trump Administration are 0.009% of the detained population. As bed space has rapidly expanded, we have maintained a higher standard of care than most prisons that hold U.S. citizens – including providing access to proper medical care.

CLAIM: Protesters at Delaney Hall, including U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.), were shot with pepper balls.

FACT: No individuals were directly struck by pepper ball projectiles. On May 25, 2026, rioters obstructed law enforcement from exiting the ICE facility. Officers issued multiple lawful verbal commands for rioters to clear the area. Rioters refused to follow law enforcement commands and continue to obstruct the exit route. Our law enforcement followed their training and used the minimum amount of force necessary to protect themselves, the public, and federal property.

CLAIM: ICE personnel at Delaney Hall have physically attacked detainees, including with the use of pepper spray.

FACT: No detainees were beaten or attacked by ICE. On May 28, 2026, staff responded to a physical fight involving detainees at Delaney Hall. In accordance with established ICE policies and their training, staff used the minimum amount of force to safely deescalate the situation. Following the incident, all affected detainees were promptly evaluated by on-site medical personnel and were cleared with no serious injuries.

Judge Sentences New Bern Fentanyl Dealer to 12 Years in Federal Prison

A federal judge sentenced Gerard Alexander Brimmer, 30, to over 12 years in prison for selling fentanyl while armed. Brimmer pleaded guilty on February 26, 2026, to one charge of possession with the intent to sell 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one charge of possessing a gun in furtherance of that crime.

“This criminal chose a false path to ‘easy money’ selling deadly poison, fentanyl, to folks in his community instead of making a positive contribution to society,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “He callously risked his own children’s lives by exposing them to fentanyl and his loaded guns. This sentence ensures New Bern will be protected from Brimmer for over a decade. Simple Lesson: Drugs Kill, Prison Awaits – Do Right.”

Craven County Deputies began investigating Brimmer in July of 2023 after a deputy pulled over a vehicle he rode in. A search of the vehicle recovered several baggies of fentanyl and a water bottle that contained a fentanyl solution after Brimmer dumped powder fentanyl into it. Craven County continued investigating Brimmer through a series of controlled purchases of fentanyl in October 2023. At that time, Brimmer sold bright purple-pink fentanyl from his garage. Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Brimmer when he left his house after one of the controlled purchases and found 3.5 grams of fentanyl in his pocket. Brimmer had his 8-year-old and infant children in the car during the stop. Deputies also searched Brimmer’s home and recovered 50 grams of fentanyl in the garage, $1,040, and two loaded guns. The cash included four marked bills from the controlled purchase earlier in the day. 

Brimmer faced a mandatory minimum of 10 years, but the federal judge gave an even longer sentence. At the time of his offense, Brimmer had already been convicted of a felony. The State convicted him of felony possession of cocaine in 2018 and kidnapping and possession of a firearm by a felon in 2021. 

Sheriff Hughes stated, “this conviction demonstrates the successful partnership between the Sheriff’s Office and federal law enforcement in tackling drug trafficking.” Hughes warned that drug dealers will face severe consequences for operating in the area, emphasizing that the office will maintain its collaborative efforts with state and federal agencies to shut down drug operations throughout Craven County.

“Drug networks often fuel gun violence and endanger our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “Through collaborative efforts with our local, state and federal partners, we’re making sure that those who threaten our public safety are brought to justice.”

Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Craven County Sheriff’s Office, New Bern Police Department, NC Probation, and ATF investigated the case.

Inmate Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Scheme to Smuggle Contraband into Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn

Defendants “Fished” for Contraband from Fourth-Floor Window of the Federal Prison 

In federal court in Brooklyn, Daryl Campbell was sentenced by United States District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis to 37 months in prison for orchestrating a scheme to smuggle contraband into the Metropolitan Detention Center (the MDC).  Campbell pleaded guilty in September 2025 to conspiracy to possess contraband.  The sentence imposed today will run consecutive to the 35-year term he is serving for a manslaughter conviction in New York County.  Campbell’s co‑defendants and fellow MDC inmates Ian Diez, Jonathan Guerrero, Abel Mora, and Mayovanex Rodriguez were previously sentenced to terms of incarceration ranging from six months to 30 months.  A sixth co-conspirator, Carl Kelly, is awaiting sentencing.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the sentence.

“The message to inmates from today’s sentencing is clear: go fishing for contraband, and all you will catch is another prison term,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “The smuggling of drugs and weapons by inmates compromises the safety and security of the MDC.  Our Office will continue to ensure that any inmates who smuggle contraband will be prosecuted and face the consequences.”

Mr. Nocella thanked the U.S. Bureau of Prisons for its assistance with the investigation.

“Daryl Campbell jeopardized the safety of other inmates and employees by obtaining illegal drugs and weapons while incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center.  May today's sentencing emphasize the FBI's commitment to holding accountable individuals who smuggle contraband into our federal jails,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.

Between April and June 2024, Campbell used a contraband cell phone to send detailed instructions to his co-conspirators on how to bring additional contraband into the MDC.  As the organizer of the scheme, Campbell advised co-conspirators on how to package contraband, to deliver it to the MDC, and to get it into the jail, providing advice and guidance along the way as to how to accomplish each step in the process.  In several voice recordings, Campbell explained his method of throwing a “line” out of a window of the MDC on to which a co-conspirator on the outside was to “hook” contraband, which could then be pulled back inside.  On June 30, 2024, Kelly, Diez, Guerrero, Mora, and Rodriguez attempted to execute Campbell’s scheme.  Kelly approached the front of the MDC and threw a rope made of duct tape up to the fourth floor, where Diez, Guerrero, Mora, and Rodriguez tried to pull it through the window of the recreation room in their housing area.  Inside of the rope, correctional officers found papers laced with MDMB-4en-Pinaca (a synthetic cannabinoid), suboxone, marijuana, a scalpel, a phone charger, lighters, and cigarettes.

Member of the Fully Blooded Felons Gang Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for RICO, Drug, and Firearm Offenses

Jeffrey Lee, a member of the Fully Blooded Felons gang, 25, of Cleveland, was sentenced today to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy, drug offenses, including fentanyl distribution, and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.

“This defendant, now a fully convicted and sentenced felon, will spend the next 12 years in prison because of his drug dealing and firearm crimes,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The long sentence handed down by the court underscores the danger that drugs and guns bring to a community, and the seriousness of crimes like this.  The Criminal Division will continue to seek lengthy sentences for gang members who commit drug and gun crimes.”

“We will not tolerate violent drug traffickers like Mr. Lee who devastate our communities and hurt people with the drugs they peddle,” said U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “We want to acknowledge the investigators with the Cleveland FBI and the Cleveland Division of Police for their successful efforts which helped our prosecutors put this dangerous criminal behind bars.”

“We are steadfast in our resolve to bring justice to the families whose loved ones have been impacted by the actions of Jeffrey Lee and the Fully Blooded Felons,” said Special Agent in Charge Joshua DelManzo of the FBI Cleveland Field Office. “For too long, these gang members have poisoned our communities through their illicit drug, gun, and criminal activities. This case and subsequent sentencing highlights the power of partnership, combining federal and local resources to identify gang members and drug traffickers leading to well-investigated cases. The FBI and its partners will continue to aggressively investigate individuals to dismantle their criminal network and eradicate violence and crime from our neighborhoods.”

As the defendant admitted during his plea hearing and in other court documents, the Fully Blooded Felons have been in existence in Ohio since approximately 2012, operating primarily out of the eastside of Cleveland, as well as Akron, Youngstown, and elsewhere. They are also active in the Ohio prison system. 

The Fully Blooded Felons’ structure includes a “Commission,” which is a group of members tasked with maintaining the structure and organization of the enterprise through physical discipline and by determining which illicit means the organization would use to make money.

The Fully Blooded Felons had rules that members were required to follow. The rules were sent to members online, by text message, and in face-to-face communications. Members were required to abide by “omerta,” or the code of silence, and were required to memorize and recite at meetings the “Fully Five,” a set of rules that included following all orders issued by the Commission. If a member did not know the “Fully Five,” they were punished. 

To further their drug trafficking, Fully Blooded Felons members used two separate stash-houses at a local apartment complex. During the execution of search warrants, law enforcement recovered close to three-quarters of a pound of fentanyl, as well as cocaine, methamphetamine, and seven firearms. In addition to the two stash houses, gang members also sold drugs in an open-air drug market that operated in the space adjacent to the apartment building where the two stash houses were located. Jeffrey Lee was an enforcer and regularly distributed fentanyl and other drugs on behalf of the gang. In one text message exchange, Lee asked another gang member where a .380 caliber handgun was hidden. Lee was also present at one of the trap houses when it was searched by police, who found over a half-pound of fentanyl, as well as methamphetamine, and cocaine, along with packing and other items used in drug trafficking. 

The FBI investigated this case, with substantial assistance from the Cleveland Police Department.

Attorney General James Secures $230,000 from Fort Greene Developer for Endangering Residents

 

OAG Investigation Found Violations of City Building Codes and State Law, Misleading Marketing, and Disregard for the Safety of Residents 

AG James Will Deliver $200,000 to Residents Forced Out of Units Due to Faulty Foundation

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that she has secured $200,000 from building developer Craig Nassi and his company 135 Carlton Ventures, LLC (Carlton Ventures), after an Office of the Attorney General (OAG) investigation found that Nassi cut corners and neglected his responsibilities while constructing, advertising, and maintaining the condominium, putting residents in danger and forcing an emergency evacuation. The OAG found that Nassi misrepresented 135 Carlton Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn as a newly constructed building when, in reality it had only been renovated. Nassi also failed to repair major structural dangers with the building’s foundation, jeopardizing the safety of its residents. As a result of the investigation, Attorney General James has secured $200,000 in restitution for New Yorkers who purchased condos at 135 Carlton Ave, as well as an additional $30,734 in penalties.  

“When developers cut corners, everyday New Yorkers are the ones who suffer,” said Attorney General James. “No one should be displaced or put at risk of physical harm because their building developer chose not to follow the law. With this settlement, those harmed by the illegal practices of Craig Nassi and Carlton Ventures will receive the restitution they deserve.” 

The OAG launched an investigation into Craig Nassi and Carlton Ventures in 2021 after receiving a complaint from the 135 Carlton Board of Managers. The OAG determined that Nassi had misled prospective buyers by representing that the building was new construction when it was in fact an existing building that was merely renovated in certain areas. In addition, OAG found that Nassi had skirted New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) regulations by failing to hire a mandated structural engineer or file the necessary documents with DOB.  

The OAG also found that Nassi repeatedly neglected to repair the building’s defective and unsafe foundation, despite receiving explicit warnings from DOB. Nassi then misrepresented his efforts to repair the structure to OAG over the course of OAG’s investigation. Meanwhile, residents were forced to initiate and pay for the repairs themselves, to avoid the dangers posed by the unsound foundation that Nassi failed to address. 

Attorney General James sued Nassi and Carlton Ventures in November 2024 for violations of the Martin Act and Executive Law 63(12). Under the terms of today’s settlement, which resolves that litigation, Nassi and Carlton Ventures will pay $200,000 in restitution to the Board of Managers of 135 Carlton Ave — the residents — who were forced to cover the cost of repairs themselves. In addition, Nassi and Carlton Ventures will pay $30,734.45 in penalties and fees, which will be put toward OAG’s Affordable Housing Fund. The Affordable Housing Fund supports housing-related initiatives, programs, and projects for low-income families.  

Governor Hochul Highlights New Laws to Protect New Yorkers and Stand Against ICE Overreach

Governor’s FY27 Enacted Budget Includes Commonsense Measures To Protect New Yorkers Against Aggressive Federal Immigration Enforcement

Focuses Local Law Enforcement on Local Crimes

Bans Law Enforcement from Wearing Masks

Holds Federal Law Enforcement Accountable for Constitutional Violations

Safeguards Interactions With Public Employees

Protects Every Student’s Right to Free Public Education

Keeps Immigration Authorities Out of Sensitive Locations

Governor Kathy Hochul today met with immigration advocates, faith leaders, educators and New Yorkers impacted by aggressive federal immigration enforcement to highlight new protections included in her FY27 Enacted Budget. These new laws will keep local law enforcement focused on keeping our communities safe instead of doing ICE's job, protect sensitive locations from civil immigration enforcement and hold federal agents accountable for violating the Constitution.

“Today, I met with New Yorkers who have been impacted by ICE’s cruel and dangerous actions. This overreach is unacceptable and will never be tolerated in this state,” Governor Hochul said. “With new guardrails to reign in ICE, we have established a blueprint to protect our neighbors, our communities and the constitutional rights of all New Yorkers.”

Measures included in the Enacted Budget build on the Governor’s previously introduced proposals to protect New Yorkers amid an unprecedented escalation in aggressive federal immigration enforcement.

“Local Cops, Local Crimes” Act

Prohibits local governments, state and local police, and state and local corrections from entering into 287(g) Agreements or similar agreements with the federal government that allow for state and local law enforcement personnel and facilities to be used for civil immigration enforcement purposes. Local governments would also be barred from paying or otherwise contributing to the costs related to constructing, owning or operating an immigration detention facility. They would also be prohibited from changing zoning to allow for construction or use of buildings as immigration detention centers without public input.

Bans Law Enforcement from Wearing Masks

Prohibits state, local, and federal officers from wearing face covering while interacting with the public. This excludes necessary tactical equipment, sunglasses or medical masks from the definition of face covering. Willfully violating the statute would be an infraction, and subsequent willful violations would be a misdemeanor.

Holds Federal Law Enforcement Accountable for Constitutional Violations

Currently, New Yorkers can sue state and local government officials for a violation of their constitutional rights under federal civil rights law but actions against federal officials are much more limited under federal law. This would establish a state law under which New Yorkers can bring a lawsuit against federal, state and local government officials for a violation of their constitutional rights.

Safeguards Interactions With Public Employees

Prohibits the use of state and local civilian agencies and public school resources, including employee time, for civil immigration enforcement activities. This includes a ban on questioning or investigating individuals solely for civil immigration purposes unless required by a federal judicial warrant or by law. Also prohibits officials from disclosing personally identifying information to immigration authorities, granting them access to non-public areas of public facilities, or using immigration officers as interpreters, and would prohibit the release or transfer of a student into immigration custody even if a parent has been detained, unless specifically mandated by a judicial warrant or court order.

Keeps Immigration Authorities Out Of Sensitive Locations

Prohibits all civilian state, local and school employees (including higher ed and K-12) from permitting access to any non-public area of a state-owned or operated facility to immigration authorities without a judicial warrant, meaning any state or municipally owned or operated facility including housing accommodations, parks, childcare facilities, preschools, hospitals, schools, dorms, healthcare facilities, community centers and shelters, cannot grant or facilitate access to any non-public areas of their facilities to immigration authorities without a warrant. Also protects against voter intimidation and interference at polling locations by denying immigration authorities access to such sites without a judicial warrant, and empowers privately owned or operated sensitive locations, including hospitals, daycares, schools, housing accommodations and houses of worship to do the same.

Protecting Every Student’s Right to Free Public Education

Ensures immigrant students can access education, codifying the right to a free public education regardless of immigration status. Prohibits various practices, particularly around data collection and disclosure regarding immigration status, that could chill the exercise of that right by undocumented students.