Friday, July 18, 2025

Attorney General James Defends Temporary Protected Status for Immigrants from Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua

 

AG James Co-Leads 14 Attorneys General in Submitting Amicus Brief Challenging Trump Administration’s Unlawful Termination of TPS for Honduran, Nepali, and Nicaraguan Immigrants

New York Attorney General Letitia James today co-led a coalition of 14 attorneys general in opposing the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) unlawful and baseless attempt to strip Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from Honduran, Nepali, and Nicaraguan immigrants, threatening their legal status in the United States. The TPS program is a critical humanitarian lifeline established by Congress in 1990 that protects immigrants from being returned to countries that have been deemed unsafe, allowing them to work and build a life in the United States. In an amicus brief filed today in National TPS Alliance v. Noem, Attorney General James and the coalition highlight the devastating economic and humanitarian consequences of ending these TPS protections and urge the court to postpone the proposed actions.

“New York is proudly home to a large, vibrant immigrant community,” said Attorney General James. “Revoking TPS for 60,000 people will do nothing except cause chaos throughout New York and other states and stoke fear in immigrant communities. By eliminating their legal status, this administration is putting thousands of New Yorkers in danger and breaking up families across the country.”

On June 6, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem moved to terminate Nepal’s designation for TPS protection, revoking TPS for approximately 7,200 Nepali immigrants who have lawfully lived and worked in the United States for more than a decade since the catastrophic 2015 earthquakes. On July 8, Secretary Noem announced DHS would also terminate TPS designations for Honduras and Nicaragua, revoking the status of 51,000 and 2,900 immigrants, respectively. TPS holders from Honduras and Nicaragua, who were granted TPS status in 1999 due to the devastation left by Hurricane Mitch, have built their lives in the United States for more than 25 years. In total, the three TPS terminations would strip more than 60,000 people of the legal status that has enabled them to participate in and strengthen the civic life and economy of the United States.

The attorneys general warn that thousands of families of Honduran, Nepali, and Nicaraguan TPS holders across their states will be profoundly harmed if the terminations are not postponed. In 2022, around 68,000 U.S. citizens lived with a Honduran TPS holder, approximately 13,000 U.S. citizens lived with a Nicaraguan TPS holder, and approximately 23,000 U.S. citizens lived with a Nepali TPS holder. In total, over 100,000 U.S. citizens lived in mixed-status households with people who are now at risk of losing their legal status, potentially leading to devastating family separations.

Now, TPS holders from these countries face a devastating choice between:

  • Returning to their country of origin alone, facing danger and instability, and leaving their families behind;
  • Taking their family members, some of whom are American citizens, with them to a dangerous country that they do not know; or
  • Staying in the United States and retreating into the shadows, knowing that they cannot work legally and could be ripped from their families at any time.

New York is a safe home to approximately 56,800 TPS holders from all countries. In particular, Queens County in New York City is home to the largest number of Nepali immigrants in the country. Attorney General James and the coalition emphasize that TPS holders bring enormous benefits to their states, and stripping these individuals of legal status will harm states’ economies and workforces. 

The attorneys general are urging the court to issue preliminary relief postponing these revocations and protecting immigrants from Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua. 

Joining Attorney General James and California Attorney General Rob Bonta in filing the brief are the attorneys general of Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, and the District of Columbia.

Bronx Woman And Queens Man Plead Guilty To Participating In Murder Plot That Killed Innocent Bystander

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced today that KARL SMITH, a/k/a “Pacavell,” and CHELSEY HARRIS, a/k/a “Ms. Chinn,” have pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Paul E. Engelmayer for their role in orchestrating a shooting that killed Clarisa Burgos, an innocent bystander.  HARRIS pled guilty on June 26, 2025, and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 6, 2025, and SMITH pled guilty yesterday and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8, 2025.  Two other defendants, DAJAHN MCBEAN, a/k/a “Jeezy Mula,” a/k/a “Freeze,” and JULISSA BARTHOLOMEW, a/k/a “Trophy,” a/k/a “Tactical Mommy,” have been charged and are awaiting trial. 

“Karl Smith and Chelsey Harris participated in an elaborate plot to murder their victim, setting him up to be shot multiple times at several locations across New York City in December 2023,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “During one of those shootings, an innocent bystander, Clarisa Burgos, was tragically killed.  Thanks to the hard work of the prosecutors in this Office and our law enforcement partners, Smith and Harris will now be held to account for this heinous crimeWe and the NYPD are committed to making our streets safer and will tirelessly fight against gun crime.” 

“This wasn’t random gunfire – it was a calculated plot to carry out a murder on New York City streets, and an innocent woman paid the price,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch.  “It’s a stark reminder of how reckless, calculated violence puts innocent New Yorkers in the line of fire.  I commend our detectives and federal partners for their unrelenting work to take violent criminals off the streets and hold them accountable.”

As alleged in public court filings, statements at public court proceedings, and the charging documents in the case:

In December 2023, MCBEAN was detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York (“MDC Brooklyn”), awaiting sentencing for directing a separate gang-related shooting in January 2017.  While in federal custody, MCBEAN feuded over social media with another person (“Victim-1”).  MCBEAN then used a contraband cellphone from inside MDC Brooklyn to conspire with SMITH and HARRIS, who were at liberty in the community, to lure Victim-1 to various nightclubs in New York City where MCBEAN had arranged for gunmen to kill Victim-1.  MCBEAN paid SMITH and HARRIS through intermediaries, including BARTHOLOMEW, for their roles in this scheme.

The plot to kill Victim-1 resulted in two shootings.  First, on December 24, 2023, MCBEAN and his co-conspirators lured Victim-1 to a nightclub (“Club-1”) in Queens, New York. Outside Club-1, gunmen shot and struck Victim-1’s car multiple times but missed Victim-1.  Second, on December 26, 2023, MCBEAN and his co-conspirators tried again to kill Victim-1, this time luring him to a different nightclub (“Club-2”) in Queens.  At MCBEAN’s direction from within MDC Brooklyn, gunmen again fired on Victim1’s car when it was parked outside Club-2.  The bullets struck Victim-1 multiple times, but Victim-1 survived.  The bullets also struck and killed Clarisa Burgos, who was seated in Victim-1’s car.  Clarisa Burgos was twenty-eight years old.

SMITH, 27, of Queens, New York, and HARRIS, 24, of the Bronx, New York, each pled guilty to stalking resulting in life threatening bodily injury and death, which carries a maximum term of life in prison.  SMITH also pled guilty to aiding and abetting the discharge of a firearm in furtherance of the plot to kill Victim-1, which carries a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison.  HARRIS additionally pled guilty to aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm in furtherance of the plot to kill Victim-1, which carries mandatory minimum term of five years in prison.

The mandatory minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Clayton praised the work of the U.S. Secret Service Financial Crimes Task Force and the NYPD.  Mr. Clayton also thanked the Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations’ El Dorado Task Force for their assistance in the investigation.  He added that the investigation is ongoing.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent & Organized Crime Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan W. Allison, Andrew Chan, Dominic Gentile, and Timothy Ly are in charge of the prosecution.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES CITYWIDE EXPANSION OF PROGRAM TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE IN PERSISTENTLY HIGH-CRIME AREAS, ROOT OUT CAUSES OF SYSTEMIC VIOLENCE AND DISORDER


 “Every Block Counts” Drives Multi-Agency Resources to Specific Residential Blocks with Historically High Crime Levels

Citywide Expansion Includes Resource Fairs and Direct Outreach to Connect Residents with City Services, Community Support, and Job Opportunities

Adams Administration’s Focus on Interagency Collaboration and Targeted Public Safety Efforts Has Resulted in Six Consecutive Quarters of Crime Reductions, Record Lows for Shooting Incidents and Shooting Victims Through First Half of 2025

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the citywide expansion of the pilot of “Every Block Counts,” a comprehensive program to address historically high rates of violent crime and disorder on specific residential blocks across New York City. Every Block Counts is a data-driven, multi-agency initiative that focuses on blocks that have historically seen high levels of shooting incidents, crime, and quality-of-life issues. Chosen blocks receive intensive support and resources from numerous city agencies in an effort to reduce crime and restore lasting safety and livability.

“Every New Yorker deserves to live in a neighborhood that is safe — where the streets and sidewalks are clean and well lit, where street signs are clear, and where you are safe from gun violence and other crime,” said Mayor Adams. “Every Block Counts is our latest initiative to increase cooperation between city agencies and communities to ensure our city works better for everyone. Since its launch, we’ve seen tremendous success — including a significant reduction in shootings on the targeted pilot blocks. Those reductions have helped drive citywide progress — with shootings and shooting victims at record lows, and major crime down 5.5 percent citywide today. Now, we’re expanding this program across all five boroughs because when city agencies and communities work together, we can achieve real results — block by block, street by street — and make every neighborhood a place where New Yorkers can thrive.”

The pilot program — launched in October 2024 — initially focused on five blocks from each of the two New York City Police Department (NYPD) precincts with the most shooting incidents over the previous five years: the 46th Precinct in the Bronx and the 73rd Precinct in Brooklyn. Those blocks were:

  • 46th Precinct: Elm Place, Walton Avenue, and three blocks on Morris Avenue
  • 73rd Precinct: Bristol Street, Christopher Avenue, Dumont Avenue, Lott Avenue, and Mother Gaston Boulevard

Since launching in those two precincts, the pilot blocks have seen a nearly 22 percent decrease in overall crime, an over 33 percent drop in shooting incidents, and a 60 percent reduction in shooting victims — demonstrating the program’s early success in restoring safety.

The program has since expanded citywide, now with five blocks in each of the five boroughs. This expansion targets 15 additional blocks, focused in the 34th Precinct in Manhattan, the 110th Precinct in Queens, and the 120th Precinct in Staten Island. These blocks are:

  • 34th Precinct: Arden Street, Post Avenue, 10th Avenue, and two blocks on Sherman Avenue
  • 110th Precinct: National Street, Roosevelt Avenue, 43rd Avenue, and two blocks on 41st Avenue
  • 120th Precinct: Bowen Street, Broad Street, Broadway, and two blocks on Park Hill Avenue

Building on the success observed in the pilot precincts, the Adams administration anticipates that the expanded blocks will demonstrate similar declines in violent crime and enhancements in residents’ quality of life. Today’s expansion draws on the combined efforts of various city agencies to promote safer, more livable neighborhoods across all five boroughs.

“Since its inception, 'Every Block Counts' has been laser-focused on making a difference for New Yorkers who face chronic quality-of-life and public safety issues,” said Chief of Staff and Deputy Mayor for Administration Camille Joseph Varlack. “Our innovative approach addresses community-identified concerns, activates enhanced agency collaboration and visibility in areas of need, and maintains a presence. Now we’re doing a much-needed expansion that will bring that work citywide, and I could not be prouder. This administration is committed to using every tool at our disposal to keep New Yorkers safe and our city the best place to live.”

“Every Block Counts is about using real data to deliver real change — block by block,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry. “We’re working hand-in-hand with the people who live in neighborhoods most impacted by violence and disorder, and we’re already seeing measurable results: fewer shootings, less crime, and cleaner, safer streets. And these aren’t one-time fixes — we’re building trust, restoring order, and making sure residents feel the difference on their own blocks. Under Mayor Adams’ leadership, this administration is showing what it means to be proactive and relentless in our commitment to public safety.”

“Every community deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen,” said New York State Senator Robert Jackson. “Initiatives like 'Every Block Counts' reflect a growing understanding that lasting safety comes from collaboration, care, and consistent investment. When we center people, not just problems, we move closer to a city where every block — and every life — truly matters. I look forward to seeing this initiative grow in a way that centers equity, collaboration, and care.”

 

“The Bronx has been under-resourced for so long, leading to persistent crime,” said Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark. “This multi-faceted approach of caring for people’s needs and addressing the root causes of crime one block at a time will help the entire community improve and thrive.”

“We know that violent crime in our city is concentrated in specific neighborhoods, and we also know that targeted enforcement is effective, said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. “This initiative will increase resources and the focus given to these blocks, including non-law enforcement responses, to enhance safety and quality of life. With Brooklyn experiencing another record year in reducing gun violence, this program can help us to continue this momentum.”

“By prioritizing investment and improving quality of life in historically high-crime areas, ‘Every Block Counts’ has proven successful in reducing crime and breaking the cycle of violence afflicting New York City’s most vulnerable communities,” said Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon. “These efforts not only provide a path forward for the community but also bring vital city services and job opportunities directly into the neighborhoods that need them most. ‘Every Block Counts’ is more than a slogan — it’s a commitment to equity, safety, and progress for every corner of our city, and I am thrilled to see this data-driven and crime-preventative initiative come to our boroughs.”

The city is leveraging existing resources from multiple agencies to support these blocks, including but not limited to:

  • Fire Department of the City of New York
  • Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice
  • Mayor's Office of Faith-Based & Partnerships
  • Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs
  • Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities
  • Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit
  • New York City Department for the Aging
  • New York City Department of Buildings
  • New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services
  • New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
  • New York City Department of Environmental Protection
  • New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
  • New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development
  • New York City Housing Authority
  • New York City Department of Parks and Recreation
  • New York City Department of Sanitation
  • New York City Department of Social Services
  • New York City Department of Transportation
  • New York City Department of Youth and Community Development
  • NYPD
  • NYC Health + Hospitals

Since the beginning of the pilot program, Every Block Counts has already achieved tangible results:

  • Bronx: Of 120 identified complaints, 86 have been resolved, including cleaning and repairing sidewalks, addressing illegal dumping, fixing broken streetlights, and improving visibility at busy intersections through clearer signage and curb maintenance.
  • Brooklyn: Of 108 identified complaints, 83 have been resolved, including trimming overgrown trees, removing graffiti, repairing damaged fencing in public spaces, and fixing crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety.

Work on the expansion blocks is already underway, with the following results achieved:

  • Manhattan: Of 84 identified complaints, 62 have been resolved, including painting hydrants, removing graffiti, and resolving building code violations.
  • Queens: Of 171 identified complaints, 116 have been resolved, including removing graffiti from light poles, cleaning catch basins, and repairing broken street signs.
  • Staten Island: Of 156 complaints identified, 106 have been resolved, including repairing potholes, removing graffiti, and performing fire hydrant maintenance.

All of these items were identified firsthand by either residents or city agencies, with the goal of creating a safer, cleaner, and more livable environment on each block. Complaints are identified and resolved on an ongoing basis through a regimented maintenance plan, based on each block’s immediate needs.

Every Block Counts is structured in two phases. Phase one focuses on identifying and addressing quality-of-life issues and infrastructure needs on each block. Phase two builds on that foundation by ensuring residents have direct access to city resources, services, and employment opportunities. As part of phase two, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety hosted an Every Block Counts resource fair block party at Betsy Head Skatepark in the 73rd Precinct in Brooklyn on June 7, and another on June 21 at Walton Park in the 46th Precinct in the Bronx. These events brought together city agencies and community-based organizations to offer residents support, answer questions, and connect people to vital programs and services.

Additionally, the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit conducted door-to-door outreach to 274 households across the Bronx and Brooklyn pilot blocks — sharing information about the initiative, gathering resident feedback, and connecting families with available city services.  

Each street included in the pilot program has a designated “Block Community Enrichment Officer” known as a “Block CEO,” a resident who volunteered to represent their neighbors as a liaison to city officials. The Block CEO provides regular status updates on progress and communicates ongoing concerns and suggestions from the community. In partnership with the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau, the Block CEO ensures residents remain informed and engaged, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing the unique needs of each block. 

Every Block Counts’ expansion further demonstrates the Adams administration’s emphasis on taking a community-driven approach to public safety concerns. In May 2023, Mayor Adams launched “Community Link” to bring together various city agencies and local community and business leaders to address complex and often chronic community complaints that require a multi-agency response. Community Link has previously convened seven community improvement coalitions throughout the five boroughs. Focused on “hot spot” areas, Community Link is active at 125th Street, on the 110th Street Corridor, in Midtown West, and on East 14th Street in Manhattan; on Roosevelt Avenue in Queens; and at “The Hub” in the South Bronx. Since its inception, Community Link has responded to over 1,645 complaints and conducted more than 1,826 operations to address quality-of-life concerns raised by the communities they serve. In April 2025, Mayor Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch launched the NYPD’s new Quality of Life Division — and expanded it citywide last month — which brings together specially trained officers from existing NYPD community-oriented roles to address chronic quality-of-life issues and strengthen community trust.

As a result of the Adams administration’s relentless focus on public safety, from January 2025 through June 2025, New York City experienced the lowest number of shooting victims in recorded history and tied the all-time low for shooting incidents. These historic numbers have helped drive down major crime categories for the sixth consecutive quarter, with a 6 percent drop in June 2025 compared to the same time last year. Overall index crime across New York City is down 5.5 percent year-to-date — with reductions in homicides, robberies, burglaries, felony assaults, grand larcenies, vehicle theft, shootings, transit crime, housing crime, retail theft, hate crimes, and more. These significant declines resulted in 3,348 fewer victims of major crime in New York City so far this year, compared to the same period last year. The record-low crime statistics build on the Adams administration’s work to remove more than 22,600 illegal guns from New York City streets since taking office, including more than 2,800 illegal firearms removed year-to-date.

New Yorkers for Parks - One Month Until 2025 Daffodil Project Registration!

 

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It’s almost time! Registration for the 2025 Daffodil Project opens Monday, August 18th. Whether you’re a first timer or a longtime participant, we’re so excited to welcome you as part of New York City’s largest volunteer effort. 

 

Every fall since 2001, NY4P distributes free daffodil bulbs in every borough, which New Yorkers plant in parks, schoolyards, tree pits, and community gardens. An enduring symbol of resilience and a catalyst for civic engagement, the initiative champions park stewards while advancing advocates' calls for transformative investment in green spaces.  

 

For the second year in a row, we’re partnering with NYC Parks Plant Ecology Center and Nursery (formerly Greenbelt Native Plant Center) to distribute native perennial pollinator seeds alongside the bulbs. These locally sourced seeds support pollinators, restore biodiversity, and strengthen the city’s ecological health. 

 

Be sure to add ny4p@ny4p.org to your safe senders list so you don’t miss out when registration goes live on August 18th, and tell interested friends and family to join our mailing list

 

This year all distributions will take place in September. We’ll be in touch in the coming weeks with details on distribution dates, locations and more.


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Support the Daffodil Project

 

The 2025 Daffodil Project wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our volunteers, community partners, and donors. Your contributions help us distribute daffodils and native plants in every borough, beautifying communities and mobilizing advocates in services of a greener, more resilient city. Please consider making a donation today. Your support makes a lasting impact.


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