Mayor Mamdani, Borough Presidents Unveil Roster of Over 100 Free Watch Parties Across All Five Boroughs Ahead of World Cup

 

City to transform parks, plazas and public markets into free World Cup watch parties for New Yorkers and tourists alike  

  

New Yorkers can find watch parties and other World Cup events here 

  

Free watch parties bolster Mamdani administration’s ongoing efforts to make the World Cup affordable and accessible for everyone  

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ kicking off today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the city’s borough presidents unveiled a new roster of more than 100 free watch parties where New Yorkers and visitors alike will be able to watch World Cup matches and celebrate the world’s game.  

 

The watch parties — which span all five boroughs — will take place in the city’s parks, plazas, marketplaces and theaters. Watch parties are being hosted by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) and the city’s five borough presidents with grants from NYC Tourism + Conventions. Alongside free fan festivals across all five boroughs and a free watch party for the World Cup Finals in Central Park, today’s announcement builds on the Mamdani administration’s ongoing efforts to make sure that every New Yorker can experience the World Cup free of charge.  

  

“This summer, we’re bringing the people’s game directly to the people,” said Mayor Mamdani. “From public markets to beaches and parks, we’re turning our city’s public spaces into places where New Yorkers can get together, share a meal, see music and watch the world’s game. Along with fan festivals across the five boroughs and a free watch party for 50,000 people in Central Park, we’re making sure every New Yorker has a front row seat at this historic celebration.”  

  

“We are grateful for the Mamdani Administration’s investment to support World Cup activations citywide, including grants that enabled free events in all five boroughs,” said Julie Coker, President and CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions. “These events will help ensure the excitement and economic impact of the World Cup are felt throughout every neighborhood, making this once-in-a-generation moment accessible to all New Yorkers and visitors while underscoring New York City’s global spirit.”  

  

“As the World Cup kicks off this week, NYCEDC is proud to activate our public markets and city-owned assets—from the Brooklyn Army Terminal and MADE Bush Terminal to La Marqueta, Essex Market, and Moore Street Market — into vibrant hubs for free watch parties, live programming, and community programming,” said NYCEDC Interim President & CEO Jeanny Pak. “By bringing matches, music, food, and cultural activations to neighborhoods across the five boroughs, we’re ensuring New Yorkers and visitors alike can come together and experience the energy of the World Cup right here at home.”  

  

“Soccer is played in streets and plazas across the world,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “In honor of the people’s game, we will be transforming our streets and plazas into family-friendly, World Cup celebrations where New Yorkers can join each other to watch matches and enjoy programming that celebrates the incredible diversity of our city.”  

 

“Nothing matches the electricity of thousands of New Yorkers screaming, cheering, and celebrating together in the open air of our city's parks and public spaces,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “Bringing these watch parties to our parks turns our city’s everyday green spaces into vibrant, open-air stadiums right in the heart of our neighborhoods. From Central Park to Coney Island, we are happy to give fans a FREE, front-row seat to the world’s greatest tournament where community spirit can come alive.” 

  

NYC Tourism + Conventions  

  

NYC Tourism + Conventions, as well as the city’s five borough presidents — Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella — will host a series of watch parties across all five boroughs.  

  

The Bronx  

  

When: July 15. 

Where: 161st Street between Grand Concourse and Jerome Avenue. 

What: Live match screening with the 161st Street BID.  

  

Brooklyn  

  

When: June 19.  

Where: Brooklyn Borough Hall, Downtown Brooklyn. 

What: Live match screening, community resource tabling, family-friendly activities, a youth soccer clinic and cultural performances.  

  

When: July 11. 

Where: Maimonides Park, Coney Island. 

What: Live match screening with community resource tabling, family-friendly activities, a youth soccer clinic and cultural performances.  

  

Manhattan  

  

When: June 26. 

Where: SummerStage, Central Park. 

What: Live match viewing with food, drinks, and community engagement from CityParks Play.  

  

When: June 27. 

Where: United Palace, Washington Heights. 

What: Live match viewing with soccer demonstrations, a DJ, food, drinks, tabling by local organizations and other community engagements.  

  

Queens  

  

When: July 9 and July 10.

Where: Pilot House Bar & Grill, Averne. 

What: Live match viewing with face paint, kids match and free deserts.  

  

When: July 11.

Where: Pilot House Bar & Grill, Averne, NY. 

What: Live match viewing with DJ and giveaways.  

  

When: July 11. 

Where: Queens Botanical Garden, Flushing. 

What: Live match viewing with free admission to the Queens Botanical Garden.  

  

When: July 19. 

Where: Queens Borough Hall, Kew Garden.

What: Live viewing of the World Cup Finals with street vendors.  

  

When: July 19. 

Where: MoMA PS1, Long Island City.

What: Live viewing of the World Cup Finals, co-sponsored by the LIC Partnership.  

  

Staten Island  

  

When: July 19. 

Where: Midland Beach. 

What: Live viewing of the World Cup Finals alongside children’s rides, live entertainment, interactive activities and food vendors.   

  

New York City Economic Development Corporation  

  

The New York City Economic Development Corporation is turning the city’s public markets and public spaces into free watch parties for New Yorkers and tourists. Activations include:  

  

When: June 11. 

Where: Brooklyn Army Terminal, Brooklyn.

What: Outdoor community watch party. 

  

When: June 25. 

Where: MADE Bush Terminal, Sunset Park, Brooklyn. 

What: Indoor and outdoor watch party (match viewed indoors) with community programming, including music, arts and crafts and tabling by community-based organizations.  

  

When: All match days. 

Where: La Marqueta Market, East Harlem, Manhattan. 

What: Live match viewings during market hours.  

  

When: All match days.  

Where: Essex Market, Lower East Side, Manhattan. 

What: Live match viewings with DJs, vendors and tabling by community-based organizations on select days.  

  

When: All match days.  

Where: Moore Street Market, Williamsburg, Brooklyn. 

What: Live match viewings with DJs, vendors and tabling by community-based organizations on select days.  

  

New York City Department of Transportation  

  

Additionally, the New York City Department of Transportation is turning parks and plazas into some of the best seats in the house to watch matches. NYC DOT will host guided bike rides to several watch parties, led by Black Girls Do Bike, with details available on the agency’s website.   

  

Specific Watch Party activations include:  

  

When: June 11 at 2 PM. 

Where: Paseo Park/34th Avenue Plaza (34th Avenue from 77th Street to 78th Street), Queens. 

What: Live performance by Sambuco Tribe at 2 PM, Mexico vs South Africa match at 3 PM. Event programming provided by Hive Public Space, Street Soccer, The Horticultural Society of New York and more. Join a guided bike ride with Black Girls Do Bike from Socrates Sculpture Park to the Jackson Heights watch party. Register in advance here.    

    

When: June 15 at 5 PM. 

Where: Duane Joseph Plaza (Parkside Avenue and Ocean Avenue), Brooklyn.   

What: Batingua Dance and Productions performance at 5 PM, Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay match at 6 PM. Event programming provided by Hive Public Space, Team Wonder, NYC DOT Safety Education and more.   

    

When: June 19 at 2 PM. 

Where: Banker’s Anchor Plaza (North 15th Street from Nassau Ave to Banker Street), Brooklyn. 

What: Live performance by House of HONK at 2 PM, United States vs Australia match   

at 3 PM. Event programming provided by Hive Public Space, Team Wonder, NYC DOT Street Ambassadors and a market by North Brooklyn Parks Alliance. Join a guided bike ride with Black Girls Do Bike from Tompkins Square Park to the Greenpoint watch party. Register in advance here.    

    

When: June 23 at 3 PM. 

Where: Lou Gehrig Plaza (East 161st Street from Walton Ave to Grand Concourse), The Bronx. 

What: Live performance by Batingua Dance at 3 PM, England vs Ghana match starts at 4 PM.  Event programming provided by Hive Public Space, NYC DOT Safety Education and Street Ambassadors, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and more. Join a guided bike ride with Black Girls Do Bike from Devoe Park to the Concourse watch party. Register in advance here.    

    

When: June 24 at 5 PM. 

Where: Fordham Plaza (Park Avenue and Fordham Road), The Bronx. 

What: Live performance by Batingua Dance at 5 PM, Scotland vs Brazil match starts at 6 PM. Event programming provided by Hive Public Space, Orisha Wholeness, Street Soccer and more.

 

For the latest information on free watch parties, fan events, cultural programming, dining offers and other FIFA World Cup 2026™ activities taking place across New York City, visit nyctourism.com/worldcup26. The website serves as the central hub for World Cup-related events and experiences across all five boroughs and will be updated regularly throughout the tournament as additional programming is announced.  

ICE Lodges Detainer for Illegal Alien Arrested for Carjacking in Virginia

 

Yet another example of illegal alien crime running rampant in Abigail Spanberger’s sanctuary Virginia

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer asking sanctuary politicians in Fairfax County, Virginia to not release from jail an illegal alien who was arrested for carjacking, abduction, assault, and robbery, among other charges, after a three-day crime spree.

On June 6, 2026, police responded to a report of a domestic situation at a house in Herndon, Virginia. According to local reports, Cristian Wilfredo Alvarenga Aguilar, a criminal illegal alien, arrived at a relative’s house and began assaulting family members. He then abducted a victim at knifepoint, stole the victim’s car, and left the area. Aguilar abandoned the vehicle and his victim in Maryland and fled. He was arrested three days later on June 9.

Aguilar has been charged with robbery, carjacking, abduction, and assault. His criminal history includes prior arrests for assault, armed carjacking, extortion, harassing communication, and damage property.

“This criminal illegal alien from faces charges of carjacking, abduction, assault, and robbery after a vicious carjacking at knifepoint in Herndon, Virginia,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “DHS is calling on Governor Abigail Spanberger and her fellow sanctuary politicians in Fairfax County to turn this violent criminal over to ICE so he cannot perpetrate more crimes and create more victims. Under Governor Spanberger’s sanctuary policies, Virginia has become a magnet for illegal aliens who know that the state’s sanctuary politicians will protect them.”

During her first days in office, Governor Spanberger signed executive orders banning state cooperation with ICE as well as terminating 287(g) state and local agreements.

Under Governor Spanberger, Virginia has become a hotbed of illegal alien crime. Some of the recent illegal alien crimes in the sanctuary state include:

• In May, Aroldo Santos-Velasques, an illegal alien from Guatemala, was sentenced in Loudoun County to 25 years in prison for sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl. 
• In May, ICE lodged a detainer for Cristian Romero Saenz-Argueta, an illegal alien from El Salvador, who was arrested in Prince William County, Virginia and charged with raping a girl under the age of 15.
• In May, ICE lodged a detainer for Jorge Enrique Garcia-Rodriguez, an illegal alien from Mexico, who was arrested in Franklin County, Virginia and charged with forcible intercourse with a victim under the age of 13 and SIX counts of possession of child pornography. 
• In May, ICE arrested Eduardo Perez-Legra, an illegal alien from Cuba with prior felony convictions for drug trafficking and cocaine possession, in Newport News, Virginia.
• In May, ICE arrested Walvin Victor Hugo Garcia, an illegal alien from Guatemala, after he was released by sanctuary politicians in Fairfax County despite facing charges of raping a child under the age of 13. 
• In May, ICE arrested Josue Saul Garcia-Lopez, an illegal alien from El Salvador and MS-13 gang member, in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
• In April, Roni Mendez-Escobar, an illegal alien from Guatemala, was arrested by ICE after previously being released by Fairfax County, despite being charged with possession of child porn with intent to distribute. 
• In April, ICE lodged a detainer asking sanctuary politicians in Arlington County to not release Luzvin Orvando Garcia Moran, an illegal alien from Guatemala, after he was arrested for attempted rape.
• In April, Israel Christopher Flores-Ortiz, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador, was convicted for NINE counts of assault and battery after he groped multiple underage girls at a high school in Fairfax County.
• In April, the Fairfax County District Attorney’s Office offered an insane plea deal of just 5 years to two illegal aliens who murdered a man at a park and walking trail in Oakton, Virginia in July of 2024.
• In April, Misael Lopez Gomez, an illegal alien from Guatemala, was arrested and charged with murder and felony child abuse after bludgeoning his own 3-month-old daughter to death in Fairfax County.
• In March, Anibal Armando Chavarria Muy, an illegal alien from Guatemala, was arrested and charged with second degree murder after fatally stabbing a man inside his home in Bailey’s Crossroads, Virginia.
• In February, Abdul Jalloh, an illegal alien from Sierra Leone with more than 30 prior arrests, was charged with murder after fatally stabbing 41-year-old Stephanie Minter at a bus stop in Hybla Valley, Virginia.

Five Massachusetts and Rhode Island Men Indicted for Operating Cross-State Drug Dispatch Network That Flooded New Hampshire with Meth and Fentanyl, in New Hampshire Homeland Security Task Force Investigation

 

Five men have been indicted in Homeland Security Task Force Investigation for their roles in a 30-month cross-state drug trafficking conspiracy that targeted Manchester and Seabrook communities with more than three pounds of methamphetamine and more than a half kilogram of fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.

Reimon Pena Rodriguez, 34, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island; Hansel Rodriguez Arias, 41, of Lawrence, Massachusetts; Johan Peguero Santana, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts; Arismendy Paulino Paulino, 37, of Lawrence, Massachusetts; and Yomar Mercedes Medina, 36, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.  Pena Rodriguez was originally charged by complaint and has been in federal custody since his arrest on April 2, 2026.  Rodriguez Arias and Peguero Santana are in New Hampshire state custody on related charges.  Paulino Paulino and Mercedes Medina have not yet been arrested.  

According to the charging document and statements made in court during prior related proceedings, from September 2023 through April 2026, Pena Rodriguez ran a drug dispatch network using six dedicated phone lines to accept narcotics orders and direct co-conspirators Rodriguez Arias, Peguero Santana, Paulino Paulino, and Mercedes Medina to complete street-level drug sales at prearranged locations in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.  Law enforcement conducted numerous undercover purchases from the organization during the course of the investigation, seizing more than three pounds of methamphetamine and more than a half kilogram of fentanyl.      

The charge against the defendants carries a penalty of not less than 10 years and up to life in federal prison, at least 5 years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $10,000,000.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

DEA and the Manchester Police Department led the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar A. Vega is prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.  

New York City Department of Correction Captain Indicted for Extortion and Wage Fraud Scheme

 

Defendant Allegedly Extorted Subordinates for Money, a Louis Vuitton Handbag, and Personal Errands, and Defrauded The City of Thousands of Dollars in Wages

Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging Latanya Brown with extortion and federal program funds theft. Brown is a Captain with the New York City Department of Correction (DOC).  The indictment charges Brown with two counts of extortion and one count of fraudulently obtaining funds from a federally funded government agency.  Brown was arrested today and will be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Seth D. Eichenholtz. 

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Nadia I. Shihata, Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), announced the indictment and arrest. 

“As alleged, the defendant brazenly abused her authority as a law enforcement supervisor to steal taxpayer money and terrorize her subordinates by shaking them down for money, expensive gifts, and chauffeuring her to run personal errands, including trips to a casino while she was on duty,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “Our Office will vigorously prosecute corrupt government officials who betray the public’s trust, and where applicable as in this case, seek forfeiture of ill-gotten funds.” 

“Captain Latanya Brown allegedly abused her rank and strongarmed her subordinates to support her lavish lifestyle. The FBI is determined to aggressively pursue and hold accountable government officials who steal American taxpayer dollars while engaging in corrupt misconduct for personal enrichment,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.

“As a New York City Correction Captain, this defendant was entrusted with great authority, including over those she supervised. Instead of setting the example by upholding the highest standards of integrity and fairness, as charged, this Correction Captain allegedly used her power to extort luxury gifts, money, and personal favors from her subordinates in exchange for approving overtime, schedule changes, and vacation time,” stated DOI Commissioner Shihata. “The indictment also charges that on more than 100 occasions in 2024 and 2025 the defendant allegedly collected thousands of dollars in regular and overtime pay for hours she did not work — coming to work late and leaving her post early, including to go to a casino. I thank the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York and the New York Office of the FBI for their continued partnership in protecting taxpayer funds and holding public employees accountable.”

As alleged in the indictment, Brown has been employed by the DOC since October 2001 and has held the rank of Captain since July 2007.  Between approximately July 2024 and November 2025, Brown was assigned to Rikers Island’s Facility Operations Department as a DOC supervisor.  Between approximately November 2025 and December 2025, Brown was assigned to New York State courthouses located in the Bronx.  As a Captain, Brown supervised other correction officers and was responsible for approving employee requests for shift-schedule changes, overtime shifts, and vacation time.  In 2024 and 2025, Brown regularly threatened to withhold approvals for shift changes, overtime shifts, and vacation time requests for her officers unless they agreed to pay her money, buy luxury items for her, and/or perform personal errands for her.  For example, in December 2024, Brown forced several officers to buy an expensive Louis Vuitton bag for her.  When Brown made her demand, she made statements to the DOC officers implying, in sum and substance, that their shift assignments, overtime shifts, and vacation time would be in jeopardy unless they purchased the luxury item.  Additionally, on numerous occasions, Brown forced officers to drive her while on duty for non-work-related purposes, such as visits to restaurants, bars, and a casino. 

In 2024 and 2025, Brown received more than $250,000 in regular pay and more than $400,000 in overtime pay.  However, on more than 100 occasions during this time period, Brown submitted documentation to the DOC claiming that she had worked the entirety of regular and overtime shifts, when in fact she actually arrived to work several hours late or left work several hours early on those occasions.  On some occasions, when Brown left her assigned posting early, she did so to spend time at the Empire City Casino in Yonkers, New York.  For example, on November 21, 2024, Brown claimed in documentation submitted to the DOC to have worked from 5:00 a.m. until 9:31 p.m. on Rikers Island.  However, Brown was not at Rikers Island during the entirety of that shift and instead arrived at the casino that day at approximately 2:34 p.m.  Nevertheless, Brown was compensated by the DOC as if she had worked her full shift and at least seven hours of overtime. 

The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, Brown faces up to 20 years in prison.

Speaker Menin Announces Plan to Build New Libraries and Create Hundreds of 100% Affordable Homes Across New York City

 

Council Calls for $60 Million Capital Investment to Launch “New Libraries, New Homes” Initiative Across All Three Library Systems

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin today announced a major new initiative to modernize aging public library facilities while creating hundreds of new deeply affordable homes for New Yorkers by building housing above library sites across the city.

As part of ongoing budget negotiations, the Council is calling on the Administration to invest $60 million in capital funding to support the redevelopment of three initial library sites—one in each of New York City’s three library systems. If approved, the investment would unlock public-private partnerships capable of delivering state-of-the-art library facilities alongside new, 100% affordable housing at each location.

In consultation with the library systems, the Council has also identified three additional library sites across the city as candidates for future redevelopment through the same model.

“For years, New Yorkers have talked about the promise of building housing above libraries, but only a handful of projects have moved forward. Today, the Council is taking action with a comprehensive plan to unlock deeply affordable housing alongside transformed library facilities across the city,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “This proposal represents a smarter, faster, and more cost-effective way to modernize aging public infrastructure while creating much-needed housing. By pairing new library construction with residential development, we can deliver modern community spaces, create new homes for New Yorkers, and maximize the value of public land. This is exactly the kind of innovative and proactive thinking our city needs to address both our housing crisis and our infrastructure needs.”

The Council’s proposal would begin by adding library capital funding to support the redevelopment of three initial sites with new expanded libraries and affordable housing above:

•   Parkchester Branch Library (New York Public Library) in the Bronx in Council Member Amanda Farías’ district
•   Marcy Branch Library (Brooklyn Public Library) in Brooklyn in Council Member Chi Ossé’s district
•   Sunnyside Branch Library (Queens Public Library) in Queens in Council Member Julie Won’s district

Together, the sites have the potential to create hundreds of new deeply affordable housing units while replacing aging facilities with modern, state-of-the-art libraries designed to serve growing communities for decades to come.

“We thank Speaker Menin and the City Council for prioritizing libraries and supporting a model with a proven record of success,” said Brooklyn Public Library President Linda E. Johnson, New York Public Library President Anthony W. Marx, and Queens Public Library President Dennis M. Walcott. “The affordable housing and library redevelopment projects in Sunset Park and Inwood – the first of their kind in New York City – grew out of the libraries’ efforts to reimagine how public assets can better serve communities and maximize capital funding. These projects demonstrated the potential of this approach, and we look forward to working with the City to explore these opportunities wherever they align with community needs. The priorities the Speaker outlined are an excellent step toward achieving our mutual goals.”

Three Illegal Aliens from Guatemala Indicted for Crimes Related to Unaccompanied Alien Children, including Smuggling and Fraud Charges

 

Illegal Alien from Guatemala Sentenced to Federal and State Prison for Smuggling, Sponsoring and Sexually Assaulting Unaccompanied Alien Child

Yesterday in Cleveland, Ohio, indictments were returned charging three illegal aliens from Guatemala for international smuggling of unaccompanied alien children (UAC) and defrauding the government, while another illegal alien was sentenced to prison for smuggling a UAC to the United States in 2023 and then fraudulently obtaining custody of the child who he then sexually abused. 

The indictments charge Maritza Azucena Cahuec Coc, 38, and her brother Carlos Agustin Cahuec Coc, 33, both illegal aliens from Guatemala, for their roles in an international alien smuggling conspiracy, spanning from approximately December 2020 to October 2023, that included submitting multiple fraudulent sponsorship applications to the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to gain custody of UACs. Gladys Marina Caal Chen, 20, an illegal alien from Guatemala, who, herself, was fraudulently sponsored as a UAC, is charged with making false statements to the government in connection with a UAC sponsorship application.  

Juan Tiul Xi, 27, from Guatemala, pleaded guilty for helping smuggle a child into the United States and submitting a fraudulent sponsorship application, falsely representing that he was the child’s brother. After gaining custody, Xi sexually abused the child. For that, he was convicted of sexual battery of a child in state court and sentenced to eight years in prison. Additionally, Xi was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison to be served consecutive to the eight year state prison sentence.

“For too many years, under the prior administration, unaccompanied children were smuggled to the United States and then taken in by a mismanaged government program guided by reckless policy direction,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Instead of protecting children, these defendants and others allegedly took advantage of the program and used it to entice the illegal smuggling of unaccompanied children to the United States and, as the sentence of Tiul Xi shows, leave them vulnerable to sexual assault, trafficking, and other exploitation.”   

“These defendants allegedly induced young children to make the treacherous journey from Guatemala to the United States, and then lied to government authorities to obtain custody, abusing the very program designed to protect vulnerable children,” said Assistant Attorney A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Through Joint Task Force Alpha, the Criminal Division is focused on prosecuting alien smuggling and fraud in the UAC program.  In this country, we will not stand for illegal aliens helping to smuggle children into the United States and then sexually assault them.”

“Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will not tolerate criminal schemes that endanger children and undermine the lawful procedure established to protect them,” said Acting Director David Venturella of ICE. “Our agency, working alongside federal partners, remains resolute in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting those who violate the law. We are determined to continue the necessary work to root out this criminality.”

“We will not tolerate criminals that use deceptive and fraudulent practices to deliberately abuse our immigration programs for their financial gain,” said U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “If your business plan is to smuggle others into our country for a profit — especially children — you will come face to face with a federal judge for violating our country’s laws. We owe a debt of gratitude to the federal investigators who brought this dark truth to light taking place right here in Northern Ohio. We will aggressively prosecute these alleged crimes and bring those responsible for such actions to justice.”

“HSI remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of our immigration system and protecting vulnerable children from smuggling and exploitation,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit Field Office. “This case demonstrates the dedication and collaboration of our agents and partners in dismantling criminal networks that seek to exploit a legitimate government process for personal gain. We will continue to pursue those who threaten the safety of our communities and the security of our borders.”

“Martiza Azucena Cahuec Coc and her co-conspirators allegedly engaged in a complex and calculated pattern of illegal conduct by committing multiple crimes irrespective of the laws of the United States,” said Special Agent in Charge Joshua DelManzo of the FBI Cleveland Field Office. “They blatantly disregarded the laws of this country at the expense of minor children.  Making false and fraudulent claims while also purporting to be the children’s relatives lends to further victimization of the minor children for whom they claimed to be helping. These behaviors highlight an incomparable disrespect for the country, programs, and people that, if correctly followed, would have afforded the proper entry into the United States.”

“Exploiting vulnerable children and manipulating a system designed to protect them is abhorrent,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “These defendants not only endangered minors by smuggling them into the country, but they also defrauded a federal program entrusted with their safety. HHS-OIG will continue working alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure those who abuse government processes for personal gain are held fully accountable.”

“The care and welfare of unaccompanied children is paramount to the Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR),” said Acting Director Angie Salazar of ORR. “We are committed to continuously reviewing UAC data, identifying suspicious trends, and collaborating with law enforcement whenever there are child safety concerns. We take any attempt to exploit or defraud our agency extremely seriously and will continue to work closely with our partners to protect the integrity of our mission and the safety of the children entrusted to our care.”

UACs who are apprehended by Department of Homeland Security immigration officials or another federal agency are transferred to ORR, which is responsible for the care and custody of UACs awaiting immigration proceedings. The process of releasing a UAC from ORR custody to a sponsor involves several steps, including, but not limited to, the identification of a sponsor, the submission of a sponsor application, and an assessment of sponsor suitability, which includes verification of the sponsor’s identity and relationship, if any, to the child.

According to court documents, between in or around December 2020 and October 2023, Maritza Cahuec Coc coordinated efforts with co-conspirators to smuggle aliens, including minors, into the United States. As part of this scheme, Maritza Cahuec Coc also submitted multiple UAC sponsorship applications to ORR using aliases’ birth certificates and Guatemalan consular ID cards, among other documents, and falsely claimed to be UACs’ close relative to deceptively convince ORR personnel that she was related to the UACs to obtain custody. Several of Cahuec Coc’s applications were successful. Paychecks addressed and made payable to others including at least one of the UACs sponsored by Maritza Cahuec Coc were deposited into Maritza Cahuec Coc’s and a co-conspirator’s bank accounts. 

Also according to court documents, Caal Chen was encountered during a court-authorized search of Maritza Cahuec Coc’s residence on May 22. Caal Chen was previously sponsored as a UAC by one of Cahuec Coc’s co-conspirators who fraudulently used an alias. Caal Chen is alleged to have also lied to ORR in or around January 2024 in her own application to sponsor a UAC using an alias. At the time of her arrest, Caal Chen again lied to law enforcement by providing yet another alias, but later admitted her real name was Caal Chen. Carlos Agustin Cahuec Coc, the brother of Maritza Cahuec Coc, was subsequently arrested on May 28 while driving a vehicle registered to Maritza Cahuec Coc and at the time had with him a 16-year-old UAC passenger. Carlos Cahuec Coc communicated with Maritza Cahuec Coc, discussed human smugglers bringing a UAC to the United States illegally and how they would deceive ORR and fraudulently sponsor the UAC here in the U.S.

Maritza Cahuec Coc was arrested on May 22 and is charged with conspiring to defraud the United States, harboring aliens, and encouraging and inducing and conspiring to encourage and induce aliens to enter the United States illegally as well as making false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements, and aggravated identity theft. If convicted, Cahuec Coc faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for conspiracy to encourage and induce illegal entry, a maximum penalty of five years in prison for making false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements, and mandatory consecutive penalties of two years in prison, respectively, for aggravated identity theft. Carlos Cahuec Coc is charged with encouraging and inducing for financial gain and conspiring to encourage and induce aliens to enter the United States illegally.  Carlos Cahuec Coc faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for conspiracy to encourage and induce illegal entry. Caal Chen is charged with making false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

According to court documents, Juan Tiul Xi helped arrange for a 14-year-old female child and her family to find someone to lend them money and pay a “coyote” to smuggle the young girl to the United States.  The smuggling arrangement saddled the UAC and her family with a substantial financial burden. Moreover, Tiul Xi took advantage of a government program designed to protect children who enter the U.S. unaccompanied. Specifically, he instructed the UAC to use the name and birth certificate of Tiul Xi’s minor sister to enter the United States so that he could falsely claim in his UAC sponsorship application that he was the UAC’s brother. Tiul Xi made these false representations in an application that he signed under the penalty of perjury. ORR relied on Tiul Xi’s misrepresentations, approved his application to sponsor the UAC, and released the UAC to Tiul Xi’s care in September 2023. After her release to Tiul Xi from ORR’s custody, Tiul Xi sexually assaulted the UAC, which resulted in his conviction on two counts of sexual battery in state court.  Tiul Xi is serving two consecutive 4-year sentences in Ohio for the sexual assault of the child.  Tiul-Xi pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of encouraging or inducing illegal entry for the purpose of financial gain; one count of making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement; and one count of aggravated identity theft.  His sentence announced today will be served after he completes his state sentence. 

HSI, FBI, and HHS-OIG Cleveland field offices are jointly investigating these cases with assistance from HSI’s Attaché team in Guatemala. Additionally, HSI’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking and HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., and ORR, have provided valuable assistance. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Government of Guatemala provided significant assistance in this matter.

Acting Deputy Chief Christian Levesque and Trial Attorney Spencer M. Perry of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney/Senior Litigation Counsel Carol Skutnik, Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward D. Brydle, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael L. Collyer for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting these cases, with assistance from HRSP Analyst/Latin America Specialist Joanna Crandall. 

The indictments and sentence announced today were supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated prosecutors from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including ICE/HSI and CBP/BP and OFO, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 458 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 408 U.S. convictions; and more than 357 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.

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 other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood.

An indictment is merely an allegation. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Attorney General James Announces Election Protection Hotline Ahead of June Primary Elections

 

Voters Experiencing Problems Can Consult Frequently Asked Questions, Call (866) 390-2992, or Request Assistance Online

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) will make its Election Protection Hotline available for the June 23, 2026 primary election and during the early voting period, which runs from Saturday, June 13 through Sunday, June 21. The hotline will be available to troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues encountered by voters, including issues voting by mail or in-person at their polling place. A guide addressing frequently asked questions is also currently available to assist voters with the vote-by-mail or early voting process, voter registration, and other issues.

“Our nation was built on the promise of fair and equal elections,” said Attorney General James. “No one should feel unsafe or intimidated when casting their ballots in this month’s primary elections. My office’s Election Protection Hotline will be available throughout the elections to help voters with any challenges they encounter during the voting process, regardless of whether they choose to vote by mail, during early voting, or on Election Day.”

Attorney General James urges voters experiencing election-related problems while voting to call the OAG hotline at (866) 390-2992, or submit a complaint online to request assistance. The telephone hotline will be open between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. during early voting (Saturday, June 13 through Sunday, June 21), and between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, June 23. The hotline will also be available on the days before and after Election Day, Monday, June 22 and Wednesday, June 24, between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Written requests for assistance may be submitted at any time through the online complaint form. Hotline calls and written requests for assistance are processed by OAG attorneys and staff.

The OAG has operated its Election Protection Hotline since November 2012. During previous elections, OAG fielded hundreds — and sometimes thousands — of complaints from voters across the state and worked with local election officials and others to address issues. The OAG has also taken legal action to protect against voter registration purges and to ensure that voters have adequate and equitable access to vote early as required by law.

All registered voters have the right to accessible elections. On Election Day, polls are required to be open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and if voters are in line before closing, they must be allowed to vote. In addition, all registered voters have the right to vote free from coercion or intimidation, whether by election officials or any other person.

The OAG will receive and respond to election complaints relating to any of the statutes that OAG enforces, including the New York Voting Rights Act. 

Governor Hochul Announces Major Milestone to Facilitate New Advanced Nuclear Development

Public Service Commission Launches Proceeding to Secure 8.4 GW Nuclear Backbone of Zero-Emissions Electricity

Planning Analysis Finds that Nuclear is Key for Affordability, Reliability, and Clean Energy Goals

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the kickoff of the Nuclear Reliability Backbone process by the Public Service Commission (Commission). This follows the Governor's directive in her 2026 State of the State for the Department of Public Service to build a pathway to 4 gigawatts of new nuclear power on top of the at least 1 gigawatt in new nuclear that she called upon the New York Power Authority in 2025 to develop and construct. Today's action marks the start of a full examination of ways to bring new advanced nuclear power online in a timely, cost-effective manner. The Nuclear Reliability Backbone initiative is intended to ensure New York maintains a reliable supply of zero-emission electricity while advancing affordability in the State’s clean energy goals.

“Advanced nuclear is one of the best available options to provide both relief to consumers and strengthen the resilience of New York’s grid with round-the-clock emission-free energy,” Governor Hochul said. “Additional nuclear supply reinforces my vision for an all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes renewables and other forms of energy to help keep the lights on and costs down for New Yorkers.”

The Governor's State of the State announcement to expand New York's nuclear capacity built on her June 2025 directiveto the New York Power Authority (NYPA). NYPA recently issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for experienced nuclear developers and delivery partners, along with a Request for Applications (RFA) inviting New York State-based training providers to apply for funding as part of NYPA’s $40 million commitmentto nuclear workforce development. In addition, eight Upstate communities responded to NYPA’s request for information to express their interest in hosting nuclear facilities. The additional 5 GW of new nuclear generation, combined with New York’s existing 3.4 GW of nuclear generation assets, are expected to result in an 8.4 GW “backbone” of clean, reliable, baseload power.

The concept of the Nuclear Reliability Backbone was developed using insights from various grid planning and modeling efforts, including the Coordinated Grid Planning Process (CGPP), the State Energy Plan (SEP) and the Zero by Technoeconomic Assessment. Analysis conducted within those efforts demonstrated that the availability of nuclear power is key to achieving the most cost-effective approach to meet New York’s future energy needs, complements the state's ongoing deployment of renewables and storage, and addresses forecasted grid reliability needs while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and DPS Staff will soon issue an Advanced Nuclear Policy Options Paper (Options Paper), which is being developed as part of the Master Plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development in New York (Advanced Nuclear Master Plan), contemporaneously with the Commission’s Order. The Options Paper will evaluate policy mechanisms to support new grid-scale advanced nuclear projects, assess barriers to commercial viability, risk management, potential financial support and funding, technology selection and procurement approaches that can enable project viability. NYSERDA is also leading the state’s NextGen Nuclear New York initiative to support nuclear energy workforce and supply chain development in collaboration with other state entities.

Governor Hochul and the Commission have also separately taken action to preserve the State’s existing nuclear fleet. On January 22, 2026, the Zero Emission Credit (ZEC) program was extended through 2049, which will provide New York’s existing nuclear fleet with the financial stability needed to continue operating. Today, the ZEC 2.0 Implementation Plan and Load Serving Entity Master Agreement Proposal (Implementation Plan) was also approved by the Commission to execute that extension.

Interested stakeholders should file comments by August 10, 2026 on the issues and questions included in the Order Establishing a Nuclear Reliability Backbone Process. The Department of Public Service Staff and NYSERDA will convene at least one public technical conference before October 31, 2026. The Department of Public Service Staff will also prepare a white paper to address the issues and policy options considered in this proceeding no later than November 11, 2026. The white paper will be informed by comments received as well as the expertise shared during the technical conference and will also contain recommendations for Commission consideration.

The Commission’s Order Establishing a Nuclear Reliability Backbone Process may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site and entering Case Number 26-E-0335 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.