HSI Arrests Florida Man Who Posted Death Threats Online to ICE Officers

 

Death threats against ICE officers are up 8,000% as they work to arrest the worst of the worst from American communities

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released the following statement after Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents in Ft. Myers arrested Joseph Giancola, a Florida man, who made online death threats to kill ICE officers.

Joseph Giancola

Joseph Giancola posted to the social media platform Bluesky under the pseudonym “Cain Delon.”

Some of the death threats Giancola made online include:

• “Shoot the ICE Nazis down like the rabid dogs they are”
• “Just get a gun and shoot the ICE Nazis down”
• “Start by shooting ice thugs dead”
• “Shoot those ice thugs dead”
• “Shoot the ICE agents down.”
• “They come near me, and I shoot to kill. Be warned”
• “Shoot these thugs dead”
• “Get out your guns and shoot them down”

ICE officers are now facing a more than 1,000% increase in assaults and an 8,000% increase in death threats against them.

“This cowardly individual made repeated disgusting death threats against ICE law enforcement officers. He is now in federal custody and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Our ICE law enforcement officers are now facing an 8,000% increase in death threats against them while they risk their lives every single day to remove the worst of the worst including murderers, rapists, pedophiles, terrorists, and gang members. From bounties placed on their heads for their murders, threats to their families, stalking, and doxxing online, our officers are experiencing an unprecedented level of violence and threats against them and their families. Threaten violence or death to our law enforcement? You’ll end up behind bars like this guy.”

DHS remains committed to safeguarding its personnel and ensuring that individuals who make threats of violence are held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

For months, the Department of Homeland Security has warned politicians and the media to tone down their rhetoric about ICE law enforcement. Comparing ICE day-in and day-out to the Nazi Gestapo, the Secret Police, and slave patrols has consequences. The men and women of ICE are fathers and mothers, sons, and daughters. They get up every morning to try and make our communities safer. Like everyone else, America’s ICE and CBP agents are hardworking men and women who have families and are real people. The violence and dehumanization of these men and women who are simply enforcing the law must stop.

The public can report threats, doxxing, and harassment against ICE officers by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or by completing ICE’s online tip form.

Arizona Man Sentenced To 49 Months In Prison For Sending Antisemitic Death Threats

 

Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York and Stefanie Roddy, the Special Agent in Charge of the Newark Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced that DONOVAN HALL was sentenced on October 30, 2025, to 49 months in prison for making interstate threats and the interstate stalking of Jewish victims in New York City.  The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jennifer H. Rearden. 

“Donovan Hall targeted Jewish victims with a sustained campaign of intimidation, terror, and harassment,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “The approximately 1,000 threats he sent to these New Yorkers were alarming and brazen.  The prosecution of this case and the sentence imposed make clear that this Office will aggressively bring to justice those who perpetrate senseless crimes of hate.” 

Special Agent in Charge Roddy said: “Hall’s sentencing speaks volumes about the severity of his crimes, and the seriousness with which the law takes them. After being remanded for approximately 10 months, Hall’s guilty plea still resulted in the near-maximum sentence allowed for his calculated campaign of anti-Semitic rhetoric. His reign of fear is over and serves as a reminder to those who think they can hide behind computers, phone lines, and texts - the FBI treats all threats of violence with the utmost seriousness. The FBI will not relent in seeking justice for the victims of these egregious crimes.”

According to the Indictment, other public filings, and statements made in court: 

Over a period of three months, HALL contacted several individuals located in New York, New York (the “Victims”) approximately 1,000 times and made anti-Semitic and violent threats to torture, mutilate, rape, and murder them and their families.   In particular, starting in August 2024, HALL made dozens of threatening phone calls—many of which were anti-Semitic in nature—to the Jewish owner of a hotel located in Manhattan, the owner’s family members, and hotel staff.  During these calls, HALL threatened numerous times to kill the Victims.

In October 2024, HALL escalated his threatening conduct by texting photographs of two firearms and a machete to the hotel owner, along with threats to use those weapons to harm the owner and his family.  During a search of HALL’s residence in Arizona conducted on November 22, 2024, the firearms depicted in the text messages, among other weapons and ammunition, were recovered.  The two firearms—neither of which is registered in HALL’s name—were located alongside his wallet in his backpack.  One of the firearms was loaded.

HALL’s threats toward the Victims were part of a larger pattern of death threats sent to various other individuals.  The targets of his threats are located throughout the U.S.  In these communications, HALL consistently used violent and threatening language, and often targeted Jews.

In addition to his prison term, HALL, 35, of Mesa, Arizona, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. 

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI’s Newark Field Office.  Mr. Clayton also thanked the New York Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, the FBI Phoenix Field Office, the Mesa Police Department, and the Clifton Police Department in Clifton, New Jersey.

DEC Reminds New Yorkers to Hunt Safely This Season

Hunters, Hikers, and all Outdoor Enthusiasts Reminded to Share the Woods Safely During Hunting Season

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton reminded New Yorkers to hunt safely this season and encouraged all outdoor enthusiasts to respectfully share the woods and follow safety precautions. Regular deer hunting season in the Northern Zone began Oct. 25 and closes Dec. 7. Bowhunting season for deer and bear is ongoing in the Southern Zone and ends on Nov. 14. The regular big game season in the Southern Zone begins Nov. 15. 

“With nearly 600,000 New Yorkers participating annually, hunting is among the most popular forms of wildlife-related recreation in the state,” said Commissioner Lefton. “Hunting remains a safe, ecologically important wildlife population management tool, and fosters an understanding and respect for the environment. I encourage everyone enjoying the woods to be aware of their surroundings and follow all outlined safety measures while afield.” 

Hunting is very safe and is getting safer thanks to the efforts of DEC’s Hunter Education Program, volunteer instructors, and the vigilance of New York’s hunting community. Due to ongoing efforts to teach hunting safety, responsibility, and ethics, incident rates over the last five years are at the lowest levels recorded in New York. Many, if not all hunting-related incidents can be prevented by following the primary rules of hunter safety: 

• Treat every firearm as if it were loaded; 
• Control the muzzle, always keep it pointed in a safe direction; 
• Identify your target and what lies beyond it; 
• Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire; and 
• Wear hunter orange or pink.   

Tips for all hunters venturing afield this fall include:  

• Tell someone your hunting location and anticipated return time. If plans change, notify them; 
• Dress for the weather and plan for both location and elevation changes; 
• Become familiar with planned hunting areas in advance; and 
• Pack the 10 Essentials, especially a light source, knife, map, and first aid kit.  

Additionally, DEC encourages all New York hunters to Strap Up Before You Go Up to improve tree stand safety. Like shooting incidents, elevated stand incidents can easily be avoided by following simple safety measures.

Hunters can protect against falls from a tree stand or elevated platform by using a fall-arrest system (FAS). A FAS keeps a hunter attached to the tree from the time they leave the ground until they get back down. A harness alone is not sufficient if it isn’t attached to the tree the entire time the hunter is off the ground.   

An effective Fall Arrest System includes:  

• A full-body harness with shoulder, chest, and leg straps;  
• A strap that attaches to the tree when in the stand;  
• A tether strap that attaches the harness to the tree strap;  
• A “lifeline” to keep a hunter safe while climbing and descending; and  
• A suspension relief strap to be used in the event of a fall.  

Other important safety tips for hunting from an elevated platform: 

• Select a healthy, straight tree.  
• Always maintain three points of contact (one hand and two feet or two hands and one foot) when climbing up or down from the stand.  
• Inspect all equipment before using it. Replace stands, parts, harness, straps, and lifeline as necessary.  
• Harnesses have an expiration date. Replace a harness if it is expired. 
• Once secured in your stand, use a haul line to raise and lower your UNLOADED gun, bow, and cocked but unloaded crossbow, pointed down, into the stand. Do not tie the haul line around the trigger or trigger guard.  

For more information on hunter education courses and hunting safety statistics, visit Hunter Education Program - NYSDEC.   

Remember to Share the Woods 

Hikers should be aware that they may encounter hunters bearing firearms or archery equipment on trails. Hunters should likewise recognize that they may encounter hikers and others enjoying the outdoors. Hunting-related shooting incidents involving non-hunters are extremely rare and hunting seasons the past few years were among the safest ever.

Hunters can minimize the potential for disturbance by and to other forms of recreation by following a few tips. When hunters are scouting for the perfect spot or stand location, take the time to check if the planned location is popular. Avoiding locations that crowd other hunters or are near a sought-out hiking spot can improve both the hunting and recreational experience. If a preferred hunting spot is too crowded, identify an alternative location ahead of time.    

DEC maintains hiking, biking, skiing, and snowmobile trails in many areas of Forest Preserve lands in the Adirondack and Catskill parks, as well as in State Forests, Wildlife Management Areas, and Unique Areas open to hunting. DEC launched the 'Love Our New York Lands' campaign to encourage visitors to State-owned and managed lands to practice responsible recreation. Love Our New York Lands bolsters ongoing State-and partner-led efforts to educate the public about how to responsibly enjoy outdoor recreation on public lands without negatively impacting natural resources.  

Find recreation options by visiting DEC's Trails Less Traveled or checking out DECInfoLocator. Many trails are accessible to people with disabilities. Check out DEC's YouTube playlist, with tips for how to plan and prepare for a hike with Hiking Essentials, and DEC's Hunter Education playlist for more information about the Basic Rules of Hunter Safety.   

Venison Donations 

With nearly 3 million New Yorkers potentially losing their federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) assistance in November, DEC is encouraging hunters to help fight hunger in our communities at this critical time.

Each year, DEC partners with Feeding New York State to facilitate the donation of 50-70,000 pounds of venison from deer harvested by hunters to those in need.  

To help join the fight against hunger by donating your deer harvest:

1. Drop off any legally harvested, tagged, and reported deer at one of Feeding New York State’s participating deer processors (https://feedingnys.org/hunters/) 
2. Call the processor ahead of time to ensure they can accept your deer.  
3. Complete the processor’s log sheet indicating your desire to donate the deer. Hunters can also donate whole deer or venison directly to anyone they choose.

DEC and Feeding New York State will cover the processing costs for donated deer so that the venison can be distributed to food pantries and food banks throughout the state; however, funding is limited. If you don’t have a deer to donate but still want to help, consider making a financial donation to the venison donation program through Feeding New York State, by clicking the “Donations” link at the top of the DEC Automated Licensing System page, or when you purchase your next hunting license. 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - UPDATES ON SNAP BENEFITS

 

Dear Neighbor,

Potential delays to SNAP benefits due to the federal government’s inaction are not only heartless but also incredibly harmful to our communities in the Bronx. Many of our residents rely on these benefits as a crucial lifeline and safety net to support themselves and their families. 

Our office is working closely with our colleagues in government and nonprofit partners to ensure that our communities continue to be informed and supported during this time. 

Here’s What You Need to Know: 

 You will be notified about the status of your November SNAP benefits by the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) through the OTDA website, NYC ACCESS HRA, myBenefits, the ebtEDGE app, and by text.

 

 Any unused benefits will remain available after November 1. You can check your EBT balance at ebtEDGE.com or through the app.

 

 Continue completing required steps like recertifications and periodic reports to stay eligible.

Food Assistance Programs:

 Find Your Regional Food Bank: Locate food banks and Emergency Food Relief Organizations (EFROs) near you: https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank

 The Food Pantries Food Connect Map: https://map.thefoodpantries.org/

Find local food pantries, community meals, and mobile food resources:

 Resources for Working Families (OTDA): https://forms.ny.gov/s3/Your-Services

Learn about nutrition programs and support to help feed your family: 

Need Assistance?

We will continue to update our community as more information becomes available. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. You can reach us by phone at 718-590-3500 or email us at webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.

For real-time updates and event highlights, remember to follow us on social media.

FACEBOOK: @BronxBp

INSTAGRAM: @Bronxbpgibson

TWITTER: @BronxBp

Senator Julia Salazar - SNAP Updates

 

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - Spend November in Your Favorite Park

 

WANNA VOLUNTEER?  

Look for our November Volunteer Events email! 

NOVEMBER PROGRAMS  

Caribbean Connections: Tying History and Music Together 

Saturday, November 1 - 1pm to 4pm 

Join VCPA and Van Cortlandt House Museum for an afternoon that brings together history, music, and flavor. This unique program highlights the significant ties between early New York and the Caribbean and Latin America. 

RSVP Now 

Van Cortlandt House Museum 

Veterans Day Ceremony

Sunday, November 2 - 12pm Sharp!

Honor the service of local veterans at this annual gathering hosted by Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Bronx Community Board 8 Veterans Affairs Committee. 

At Memorial Grove

Autumn Hike in the Park

Saturday, November 8 at 10am

Explore the Northwest Woods with a VCPA staff member learning about the nature around you and the changes that are happening as winter approaches. Put on your best hiking shoes and join us for a fun 2-hour hike.

RSVP Now

Learning Garden

Van Cortlandt Nature Group Walks

Tuesday, November 11 at 2pm meets in Riverdale Stables parking lot

Sunday, November 16 at 10am meets in front of Nature Center

Take a slow walk in the park and learn about local flora and fauna with naturalist Debbi Dolan. Debbi has a wealth of knowledge about nature, plants, and wildlife that she enjoys sharing.

Register for 11/11 Walk

Register for 11/16 Walk

Crunch & Munch

Saturday, November 15 - 10am to 1pm

Crunch leaves, plant bulbs, create seasonal crafts, and munch on light snacks!

Join VCPA and our friends from NYBG Bronx Green-Up and New York Restoration Project for a fun fall day in the garden.

Learning Garden

REIMAGINING: Rewriting the Will: A Workshop with David Mill

Saturday, November 15 - 1pm to 3pm

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance presents a writing workshop led by poet and Bronx byproduct David Mills. Drawing inspiration from a historic Van Cortlandt family will, participants will engage in a powerful exercise: imagining and crafting their own “new will” from the perspective of an individual enslaved on the Van Cortlandt plantation.

RSVP Required

Van Cortlandt House Museum

REIMAGINING: Chalk Art & Live Music Gathering  is part of Van Cortlandt Park Alliance’s Reimagining initiative. In partnership with the Design Trust for Public Space and Immanuel Oni, Liminal Sp, VCPA invites the community to reimagine the park’s Enslaved African Burial Ground site as a memorial space that fosters long-term healing and restoration. This project is supported by the Mellon Foundation.

Rising NYRR
Sunday, November 16 at 10am
Kids head to the scenic trails for a fun cross country event with our friends at NYRR! Registration for this event is FREE and open to participants of all abilities and age 2 to 18.
Register Now

 

Birding with NYC Bird Alliance
Sunday, November 23 - meet at 9am
Explore Van Cortlandt Park’s ecologically diverse grounds and celebrate a long tradition of birding in the park. Each walk will be led by a NYC Bird Alliance guide.

RSVP Required

Van Cortlandt Nature Center

Support Our Work in Van Cortlandt Park

 

Make a Donation

The park is really big. Our staff is really small. Only with your help can we grow our capacity, hire more staff, and take on projects to improve Van Cortlandt Park… for YOU!  Please consider a gift to Van Cortlandt Park Alliance today.

Donate!

VCPA Merch Shop!

Show your love for Van Cortlandt Park while supporting the Alliance!

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Members get VCPA merch and invitations to member only hikes while supporting their favorite park!

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