During National Preparedness Month, the NYS Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Reminds New Yorkers to Prepare for Severe Weather Emergencies and Stay Alert to Scams

 

September is National Preparedness Month

Hurricane season is in full swing, but storm-related disasters can happen at any time.

Up to 77% of Survivors of Disasters Experienced Scams

Secretary Mosley: “If the lights suddenly go out, are you prepared? Disasters can take many forms, and the dangers don’t always end when the storm passes.”

September is National Preparedness Month, and the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) is urging New Yorkers to prepare for weather emergencies and stay alert to scams that may target consumers in the aftermath of a disaster. Following a storm or natural disaster, scammers may take advantage of the urgency to restore utilities, clean up, rebuild and manage finances. According to a Census Bureau Survey from 2024, up to 77% of survivors of disasters experienced a scam within a month after a natural disaster.

“If the lights suddenly go out, are you prepared?” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “Disasters can take many forms, and the dangers don’t always end when the storm passes. New Yorkers need to be prepared not only for the immediate risks of severe weather, but also for scammers who take advantage of people when they are most vulnerable. At the Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection, our goal is to ensure New Yorkers have the information and resources they need to protect their families, homes and wallets.”

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Terry O'Leary said, “Preparing for emergencies is a shared responsibility, which is why DHSES is proud to partner with Secretary Mosley and the Department of State’s Consumer Protection Division to ensure New Yorkers are protected before, during and after an emergency. Through our free Citizen Preparedness Corps training, we are equipping New Yorkers with the skills they need to stay safe during severe weather. But preparedness doesn't end when the storm passes – it means staying aware and prepared for all threats, including from those who look to exploit families during times of need. Taking steps to learn about potential threats and how to prepare for them makes all the difference in how quickly our communities recover and stay safe.”

With natural disasters and extreme weather on the rise, being prepared can help New Yorkers respond quickly and recover more safely when emergencies do occur. During National Preparedness Month, New Yorkers are encouraged to attend a Citizen Preparedness Corps (CPC) training course.

What is the Citizen Preparedness Corps (CPC)?

The CPC was established to train all New Yorkers how to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond immediately and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. CPC training is provided by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and the New York National Guard.

CPC trainings are free and held in-person throughout the state. New Yorkers can find a local training and enroll on the DHSES website.

There are also steps every New Yorker can take to prepare for disasters, reduce risks to health and safety, and protect against scams. Follow these tips to help stay prepared and protected:

BEFORE A HURRICANE OR STORM:

• Review your family’s emergency plan and restock your supply kit.
• Sign up for alerts and warnings about severe weather and disasters in your area.
• Check your insurance policy. To avoid surprises, check to make sure your insurance policy is current, and find out what’s covered — and what isn’t.
• Secure important documents, like Social Security and health insurance cards, and copies of deeds, titles, wills, birth and marriage certificates. Use a lockable, fireproof box or upload scanned PDFs of important documents to personal cloud storage. And make sure to use a strong password and multifactor authentication.
• Guard your personal information. Scammers will use every opportunity to access your credit card, bank account, or Social Security number.

IN AN EMERGENCY:

• Use battery-powered emergency lighting. If there is a power failure at home, use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns instead of candles, if possible. If you must use candles, use extreme caution. Never leave lit candles unattended, and do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire. Extinguish candles when you leave the room and before sleeping.

• Use generators safely. Do not use a gas or electric generator in a home, garage, basement or any enclosed space. Plug in appliances to the generator using only individual heavy-duty, outdoor-rated electrical cords. When used, gas generators should be located at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent -- preferably in a space where rain and snow do not reach them.

• Avoid build-up of carbon monoxide fumes. Only use fireplaces, wood stoves or other combustion heaters if they are properly vented to the outside and do not leak flue gas into the indoor air space. Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. Ensure adequate ventilation if using a kerosene, propane or other fuel heater, and use only the specific type of fuel a heater is designed to use—don’t substitute with another source. Never use a gas range, oven or grill to warm up a home. Never leave a vehicle running while parked in a garage attached to a home, even if the windows are open.

AFTER A HURRICANE OR NATURAL DISASTER, BEWARE OF THESE COMMON POST DISASTER SCAMS:

• Storm Chasing Fraud: If your home suffered damage from a recent storm, storm chasing contractors, or scammers posing as contractors, may step in with promises of a quick fix and low cost. These individuals may tell you there’s damage to your roof when there is not, or they may pressure you to pay them upfront for repairs or rebuilding and then disappear. For more tips on how to avoid a scam after a natural disaster, check out the NYS Attorney General’s Consumer’s tips.
• Government Imposter Scams: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) cautions against scammers who offer assistance filing for disaster grants while asking for application fees, cash deposits or advance payments. Federal agencies, such as FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Small Business Administration don’t charge applicants for disaster assistance or for help in completing applications. FEMA Housing Inspectors will never charge a fee for an inspection, never ask for your nine-digit registration number, and they will always wear an official government badge to identify themselves. If you don’t see their badge, ask them to show you their identification.
• Utility scams: Scammers may also impersonate utilities and offer to restore power in exchange for upfront payment or a “reconnection fee” in the aftermath of widespread power outages. Scammers posing as utility workers may knock on your door claiming that there is a major gas or water leak in the area and that they need to enter the home to check the pipes or gas lines. Once inside, they may ask you for personal information that can be used to steal your identity or take the opportunity to steal your valuables.
• Identity Theft: Criminals may try to apply for FEMA assistance using your name, address and Social Security number. You can help protect your personally identifiable information using safeguarding techniques, but pay attention to warning signs that your personal information has been breached. If a FEMA inspector comes to your door or you receive a letter from FEMA and you have not filed a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge. Immediately contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for assistance.
• Bogus charities: After disasters, scammers may solicit donations via calls, texts, emails or social media. Scammers may create websites with the storm’s name or location and use keywords like “help” and “relief.” Use resources such as Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, GuideStar or the BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance to find charities you can trust.
• Phishing Scams: Phishing attempts generally spike after a natural disaster. You may get calls, texts or email offers for fake government relief or fake repair offers. Remember to never click on links received via text message or email.

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

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

Mayor Mamdani Prepares New Yorkers for Nor’easter

 

New Yorkers should prepare for gusty winds, rain and high-tide flooding along the coast

Storm is currently expected to pass offshore, keeping heaviest rain east of New York City  

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) are monitoring a nor’easter expected to pass offshore this weekend, bringing gusty winds, periods of rain and coastal flooding to New York City while keeping the storm’s heaviest rain east of the city.

Winds are expected to increase late Friday into Saturday morning, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph. Rain is expected from Friday afternoon through Sunday, with total rainfall of approximately 1 to 1.5 inches over that period. Coastal neighborhoods may experience flooding during high tides, particularly Friday evening and Saturday morning. Conditions are expected to improve Saturday night into Sunday as the storm moves farther offshore.

“While this storm is expected to pass offshore and keep the heaviest rain east of New York City, New Yorkers should still prepare for gusty winds, rain and coastal flooding this weekend,” said Mayor Mamdani. “If you live near the coast, move your car to higher ground or away from streets that regularly flood, and secure anything outside that could be picked up by strong winds. Storm tracks can change, so stay informed and take the simple steps that can keep you and your neighbors safe. For emergency alerts, text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692.”

“We’re keeping a close eye on the Friday evening and Saturday morning high tides, which could bring flooding to low-lying areas on Staten Island’s eastern shore, in the Rockaways and around Jamaica Bay,” said NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. “Winds will pick up late Friday, so bring in or tie down anything outside before then, and if you’re traveling this weekend, allow extra time and watch for ponding on roads. Never drive or walk through floodwater, and never go around traffic barricades. We’re working with the National Weather Service and our partner agencies every day, and we’ll keep New Yorkers updated.”

A high risk of rip currents at area beaches is expected to continue through at least Saturday. Rough surf could cause some beach erosion, though erosion is more likely on Long Island than at New York City beaches. New Yorkers are reminded that City beaches officially closed for the season on Sunday, September 13. Swimming is no longer permitted at public beaches because lifeguards are not on duty.

NYCEM has been closely monitoring the storm and holding daily briefings with the National Weather Service (NWS) and City agencies to review the latest forecast and coordinate preparations.

Storm tracks can change. New Yorkers should take steps to prepare now:

• If you park in a coastal area that frequently floods, move your car to higher ground before Thursday evening’s high tide.
• Secure outdoor items such as furniture, decorations, grills and garbage containers, including anything on balconies, rooftops and patios.
• Clear debris from drains, gutters and stairwells around your home so water can flow freely.
• If you live in a basement or ground-floor apartment in a low-lying area, know more than one way out and make sure exits are clear. If water begins to enter, move to a higher floor. Never remain in or re-enter a flooded basement.
• Never walk or drive through floodwater, no matter how shallow it looks. Six inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet, and one foot of water can sweep away a car.
• Never drive around traffic barricades. They are there for your safety.
• Avoid touching floodwater, which may contain sewage, chemicals or debris.
• Report nonemergency issues to 311 and call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
• If you rely on powered medical equipment, register with your utility provider and keep backup batteries charged.
• Check on neighbors who may need extra help, especially older adults, people with disabilities and anyone in a basement or low-lying home in a coastal area.

Sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency alert system, by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 or visiting nyc.gov/notifynyc. Basement apartment residents can sign up to receive automated phone call alerts during flooding by visiting nyc.gov/notifynyc and selecting the basement apartment option. 

For more coastal storm preparedness tips, visit nyc.gov/beready

Permits Filed for 3365 Wilson Avenue in Laconia, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a six-story mixed-use building at 3365 Wilson Avenue in Laconia, The Bronx. Located between Givan Avenue and Boston Road, the lot is near Gun Hill Road subway station, served by the 5 train. Nicky Lumaj of Cross Five Construction is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 65-foot-tall development will yield 45,552 square feet, with 40,811 square feet designated for residential space, 4,428 square feet for commercial space, and 311 square feet for community facility space. The building will have 60 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 680 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar and 28 enclosed parking spaces.

Nikolai Katz Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed in August for the building on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Washington Square Park Drug Ringleader Convicted Of Causing Lethal Overdoses As Part Of Yearslong Drug Conspiracy

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, and Special Agent in Charge of the New York Task Force Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Christopher Roberts, announced the conviction at trial of JOHN LIVIGNI for his role as a leader in the drug trafficking conspiracy that flooded Washington Square Park and surrounding streets with fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, heroin, and crack cocaine between in or about 2020 and the arrests of numerous members of the conspiracy in October 2025.  As the jury found, the conspiracy caused deaths and serious bodily injury to victims who overdosed on the conspiracy’s product, including the June 3, 2024, fatal overdose of Bailey Shaw; the November 24, 2024, fatal overdose of Bethany Hine; and the November 11, 2024, non-fatal overdose of Antonia Hayes.  The conviction comes after a 7-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote.  It follows convictions of 20 other defendants who participated in the drug trafficking conspiracy of which LIVIGNI was a leader.  LIVIGNI is scheduled to be sentenced on January 22, 2027.  

“Our Office’s commitment to keeping New Yorkers safe includes ensuring they can use public spaces without the interference of dangerous drug dealers,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald.  “This jury verdict holds John Livigni accountable for turning Washington Square Park, in the heart of Greenwich Village, into an open-air drug market.  Not anymore: as a result of our Office’s dedication, New Yorkers are able to enjoy our iconic Washington Square Park in peace—and safely.”

“John Livigni tried to turn Washington Square Park into an open-air drug market, brazenly peddling fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine that led to multiple fatal overdoses,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch.  “Livigni’s conviction sends a clear message that there will be zero tolerance for anyone who floods our communities with drugs.  I want to thank our incredible NYPD investigators for their work on reclaiming Washington Square Park and putting this drug market out of business.”

“This conviction holds John Livigni accountable for his role in flooding Washington Square Park and the surrounding community with fentanyl, heroin, and other dangerous drugs that contributed to fatal and non-fatal overdoses,” said DEA New York Task Force Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Roberts.  “This case is a sobering reminder that behind the profits of drug traffickers are real people and families whose lives can be forever changed by the deadly consequences of these drugs.  The DEA New York Task Force remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to dismantle the organizations that put profits before human lives and bring dangerous drugs into our communities.”

As alleged in the Indictment and statements made in public filings and public court proceedings:

Washington Square Park (the “Park”) is located in the middle of New York University’s undergraduate campus in downtown Manhattan. It is a communal space that features amenities and landmarks, like chess tables, a playground, and the famous Washington Square Arch.

Between at least 2020 and October 2025, a network of drug dealers took over sections of the Park and surrounding blocks, flooding the area with deadly narcotics including fentanyl, dangerous fentanyl analogues including parafluorofentanyl and acetylfentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine. The leaders of the group, including LIVIGNI, turned the Park into a ‘round-the-clock open-air market where teams of dealers managed “workers”—often drug users and addicts—to make sales to the countless customers who streamed into the area to buy their drugs of choice. LIVIGNI in particular supplied and directed the dealers who controlled a stretch of 6th Avenue about a block to the northwest of the Park.  Members of that team made sales every day, working in shifts to sell LIVIGNI’s drugs and to revert profits back to LIVIGNI.  In addition, LIVIGNI also had agreements with the other dealers in the Park to divide their territory, share workers, ensure customers were served, and protect their operations from unauthorized competition.  They also warned one another about the presence of law enforcement in and around the Park to help avoid arrests, which would hurt business for the entire group. 

The conspiracy was highly profitable, as LIVIGNI and his co-conspirators made thousands of dollars a day from the drug trade.  LIVIGNI kept photographs of cash saved on his phone and iCloud, including the images captured below.

At the same time LIVIGNI was profiting from the drug trade, his conspiracy’s product was wreaking havoc on users, causing both fatal and non-fatal overdoses.  In particular, the group’s mixtures of heroin and fentanyl, often called “dope” by users in the Park, caused the deaths of Bailey Shaw and Bethany Hine, and the non-fatal overdose of Antonia Hayes.

• On June 3, 2024, Bailey Shaw, an 18-year-old recent high school graduate from Colorado, overdosed on fentanyl that a friend had obtained from a member of LIVIGNI’s conspiracy.  Empty “dope” glassines were found next to Shaw’s body on Shaw’s bed and nightstand.

Empty “dope” glassines on the nightstand next to Shaw

• On November 11, 2024, Antonia Hayes overdosed on fentanyl she obtained from a member of LIVIGNI’s conspiracy.  Found on a Park bench, she survived after paramedics administered multiple doses of Narcan.  At the same time, another user overdosed on a nearby bench, and two other bystanders were demonstrating signs of opioid intoxication.
• On November 24, 2024, Bethany Hine overdosed on fentanyl that Hine had obtained from a member of LIVIGNI’s conspiracy.  LIVIGNI’s team of dealers had a practice of giving Hine fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine every morning in exchange for LIVIGNI taking and using Hine’s government benefits card (e.g., Hine’s food stamps).  Hine was homeless, and Hine’s body was found on the street, in a doorway, surrounded by syringes and empty drug bags consistent with ones sold by LIVIGNI’s dealers and other members of the Park conspiracy.
• 
• The area where Hine was found, littered with drug paraphernalia including empty “dope” bags.
• 
• Syringes and empty “dope” bags found near Hine’s body

• LIVIGNI, 48, of New York, New York, was convicted of one count of narcotics conspiracy resulting in death and serious bodily injury, and faces up to life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years.

  The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. 

  Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding work of the NYPD and the DEA. 

  This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. 

HSTF Investigation Leads to 16-Year Sentence for Iowa Woman Who Distributed Methamphetamine

An Iowa woman who distributed methamphetamine was sentenced to more than 16 years in federal prison as a result of an HSTF investigation.

A Cedar Rapids woman who distributed methamphetamine was sentenced to more than 16 years in federal prison.

Larissa Marie Ruffin, age 48, received the prison term after a March 12, 2026, guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.

Information from the sentencing hearing showed that Ruffin distributed methamphetamine to an individual working with law enforcement officers or an undercover officer on multiple occasions between April and July 2023.  On September 30, 2023, officers stopped a car that Ruffin had been driving.  Officers located a little less than 20 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately half a pound of cocaine and more than a pound of marijuana in the car.  

Ruffin was sentenced to 200 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams in Cedar Rapids.  Ruffin must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Ruffin is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.

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 Kansas City is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, covering Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska.  HSTF Kansas City is composed of agents and officers from the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the State Investigative Agencies for Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska, and the Kansas City Missouri Police Department. 

Defendant Convicted of Violent Robbery of Postal Worker, Theft of Mail, and Bank Fraud

 

A federal jury in Brooklyn convicted Mahwanga Campbell, also known as “Mahwanga Elijah Solo Campbell” and “Elijah Campbell,” on all counts of a superseding indictment charging him with conspiracy to rob a mail carrier, possession of stolen mail, and the fraudulent deposit of stolen and/or altered United States Treasury checks.  The charges arise from Campbell’s participation in the violent assault and robbery of a United States Postal Service (USPS) mail carrier in Queens, New York.  The verdict was delivered after a two-week trial before United States District Judge Eric N. Vitaliano.  When sentenced, Campbell faces up to 30 years’ imprisonment. Campbell’s co-conspirators remain at large.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, New York Division (USPIS), announced the verdict.

“This verdict holds the defendant accountable for the violent robbery of a United States Postal Service mail carrier,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “Mail carriers perform a vital function and are part of the fabric of our communities. Our Office will vigorously prosecute criminals who assault government employees while they are doing their job and we will not rest until the co-conspirators in this cowardly attack are also brought to justice.”

“U.S. Postal Service Letter Carriers perform a core function in serving the community every day and they should be able to do so without fear. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will aggressively investigate all those who seek to commit violence against USPS Letter Carriers and with the help of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District Court of New York hold all who would commit such acts accountable,” stated USPS Inspector in Charge Larco-Ward 

As proved at trial, on September 2, 2023, a USPS mail carrier was delivering mail in the vicinity of Union Hall Street in Jamaica, Queens, when he was punched in the face, thrown to the pavement, and robbed of his arrow key (a USPS key used by mail carriers to open mailboxes) by two of Campbell’s co‑conspirators, while Campbell acted as the getaway driver.  The victim suffered pain to his head and a cracked tooth as a result of the attack.  Law enforcement traced the getaway vehicle driven by Campbell using surveillance video and license plate trackers.  On February 11, 2025, pursuant to a warrant, Campbell was arrested during a traffic stop by a police officer in Charlotte, South Carolina, and Campbell’s cell phones were seized.   

Campbell’s phones were searched pursuant to a judicially authorized search warrant and found to contain images and videos of checks made out to people other than Campbell, as well as identification documents in the names of other people.  The checks depicted on Campbell’s phones were issued to various payees other than Campbell by various individuals and companies across multiple states, including New York, Delaware, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, with issue dates ranging from at least June 2023 to February 2025. Several of the checks depicted on the phones were issued by payors located within the geographic area where mailboxes can be accessed with the stolen arrow key and were dated within three weeks of the date of the robbery in Queens.  Campbell’s phone also contained videos showing how stolen checks were altered:  first by “washing” the recipient and dollar amount off the stolen checks by dissolving the handwritten ink in acetone or brake fluid, and then by replacing those with a new recipient and dollar amount.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section.  

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - STARLIGHT CINEMA: RATATOUILLE RESCHEDULED TO 10/8

 

Due to the forecast for a Nor'easter this Friday we must reschedule Ratatouille to Thursday, October 8.

Join us for our upcoming Starlight Cinema evenings in Van Cortlandt Park with four feel-good movies celebrating our favorite Four-Legged Friends. And, as always, it’s FREE!

Bring a blanket, grab some snacks, and settle in on the Parade Ground for a movie night the whole family can enjoy.

5:30 PM - Music inspired by the movie year, courtesy of local radio station WFUV

5:30 PM - Movie-themed crafts for kids (and kids at heart!)

6:30-ish - Movie begins at last light

Coming Up:

Friday, October 2- Paddington 2 (2017)

Thursday, October 8 - Ratatouille (2007)

Where: Van Cortlandt Park Parade Ground

So grab your crew, pack a picnic, and meet us in the park. We'll bring the movies, you bring the blanket and snacks!

Get the Details

See you under the stars!

Our Contact Information
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
718-601-1460
http://vancortlandt.org

WORST OF THE WORST: ICE Arrests Murderers, Pedophiles, and Rapists

 

Under President Trump’s and Secretary Mullin’s leadership, ICE is arresting illegal aliens at a record pace to Make America Safe Again

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested more worst of the worst illegal aliens, including those convicted for heinous crimes such as murder, rape of a child, rape, and assault.

“Every day, the brave men and women of ICE are risking their lives to arrest and remove illegal aliens from our communities. Yesterday, ICE arrested murderers, pedophiles, rapists, and other dangerous criminals,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. “President Trump made a promise to the American people that he would Make America Safe Again, and DHS is delivering on that promise. We will never apologize for arresting and removing illegal aliens who should never have been in America in the first place.”

Arrests include:

Esteban Enriquez-Munoz, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for murder, robbery, and assault in Orange, California.

Viengxay Chaleunphong, a criminal illegal alien from Laos, convicted for THREE counts of rape of a child and assault and battery on a child under the age of 14 in Woburn, Massachusetts. 

Jendrick Ordonez-Calate, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, convicted for rape in Sussex County, Delaware.

Jorge Avila-Velez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, convicted for possessing, viewing, or controlling 1,000 to 100,000 items of child sexual abuse material in Passaic, New Jersey.

Hamza Boufnichal, a criminal illegal alien from Morocco, convicted for obstruction, false identification, grand larceny, and assault and battery in Fairfax, Virginia.

Americans can see more public safety threats arrested in their communities on our webpage WOW.DHS.Gov.