Governor Hochul’s Letter to Secretary of Homeland Security: End the Secrecy, Evasion and Contempt for Communities and the Rule of Law

Governor Hochul Demands Answers From the Department Of Homeland Security Following Reports of Three Immigration Detention Projects in New York State

Governor Kathy Hochul issued a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary (DHS) Markwayne Mullin demanding answers in response to reports of three separate federal immigration detention projects planned in New York State.

Despite the Department repeatedly stating their intentions to coordinate with local communities and President Trump’s promise to the people of New York not to expand ICE enforcement operations unless Governor Hochul asks, recent reports have uncovered three immigration detention projects in Rochester, Batavia and Newburgh.

In her letter, the Governor urges truth and transparency for the safety and security of New York communities, and calls on DHS to end the unbridled aggression against law-abiding New Yorkers.

The full text of the letter is below:

Dear Secretary Mullin:

Over the past several weeks, New Yorkers have learned about three separate federal immigration detention projects planned for our state. But they didn’t hear about them from your administration. They learned from press reports and procurement records uncovered after the fact.

You have repeatedly promised to coordinate with local communities. That’s not what’s happening.

Instead of focusing on the worst of the worst, your administration is detaining neighbors and coworkers, separating families, and secretly building the infrastructure to detain even more people.

• In Rochester, your Department is seeking to install immigration detention cells inside a building that houses a daycare and a federal court, over the objections of the Chief Judge, the Mayor, the County, and the community.
• In Batavia, you announced an expansion of the already overcrowded detention center, which your Department’s Inspector General already cited for improper treatment of detainees.
• In Newburgh, the administration has reportedly signed an agreement to lease a warehouse for use as a detention facility. But no one has talked to the town, or the county, or the state, despite bipartisan public condemnation.

My long standing policy has always been that we will cooperate with law enforcement when crimes have been committed and there is a warrant for arrest or a court order, because we want our streets to be safe as well; but this unbridled aggression against law-abiding New Yorkers must stop.

So I ask: is your Department building or expanding immigration detention facilities in New York? If so, where, to what capacity, and under what authority? And is this being done at your direction despite President Trump’s commitment that ICE enforcement operations in New York would not be expanded unless requested by the Governor?

New Yorkers, like all Americans, deserve honest answers about what their federal government is doing in their communities. And I demand your department provide that transparency.

I am also formally requesting the opportunity to speak with you, Mr. Secretary, about these matters and the need for greater transparency to protect the safety and security of our communities as the Department of Homeland Security continues its work in New York.

Sincerely,

Kathy Hochul

Governor

 

Mayor Mamdani Launches “Public Interest Technology (PIT) Crew” to Rapidly Build Digital Solutions to Public Problems

City will deploy five PIT Crews — including one with support from The Rockefeller Foundation to the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City — to make City services easier to access for working New Yorkers  

First PIT Crew will build an online complaint portal to enforce nation's first “Click to Cancel” protections  

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Chief Technology Officer and Office of Technology & Innovation (OTI) Commissioner Lisa Gelobter today announced the launch of “Public Interest Technology (PIT) Crew,” a new initiative that will deploy teams of technologists alongside City agencies to tackle public problems with in-house digital solutions.  

 

The first PIT Crew will team up with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to build an online portal that allows New Yorkers to easily file complaints against companies that trap customers in hard-to-cancel, costly subscriptions. The tool will support the Mamdani administration’s implementation of the nation’s first “Click to Cancel” protections.  

 

OTI will deploy a total of five PIT Crews: the first to support Click to Cancel, three more to advance Mayor Mamdani’s agenda of affordability and public excellence and an additional team developed with support from The Rockefeller Foundation to the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City. The Rockefeller Foundation has supported efforts to help governments harness the latest technologies to improve processes and systems for underserved communities across the United States.  

 

Each PIT Crew will include product managers, designers, engineers, user researchers and data experts who will work alongside City agencies and New Yorkers to design, build and launch digital solutions on accelerated timelines. Instead of waiting years for new technology, agencies will be able to move from idea to implementation in a matter of months. 

 

“Government should be as responsive and innovative as the people it serves,” said Mayor Mamdani. “New Yorkers should not be forced to navigate systems that are confusing, outdated and burdened by bureaucracy. The PIT Crew turns that model on its head. These teams will move quickly and deliberately to solve real problems, make City government easier to use, deliver for working New Yorkers and advance our agenda of affordability and public excellence. It’s fitting that our first project will enforce our Click to Cancel law by making it easier to hold companies accountable when they engage in predatory practices to squeeze working people.” 

 

“In the twenty-first century, every government service is, in some way, a digital service,” said Chief Technology Officer and OTI Commissioner Lisa Gelobter. “Technology is no longer just how government operates behind the scenes — it is how people experience government. Every confusing process, unnecessary step or difficult interaction makes government harder to navigate. Every simpler experience strengthens trust. New Yorkers shouldn’t have to understand how government is organized to get the services they need. Our job is to make government work better for people. The PIT Crew gives us a new way to do that — partnering with agencies to understand problems, rapidly test ideas, launch solutions, learn from real users and prove what works. By demonstrating better ways of solving public problems, we can help agencies move faster and give New Yorkers the government they deserve.” 

 

“New Yorkers deserve protections that keep pace with technological change, from canceling a recurring subscription with a single click and getting an honest price when booking a hotel, to reporting bad actors without jumping through a labyrinth of bureaucratic hoops. DCWP is thrilled to have a new partner in the NYC PIT Crew to achieve just that,” said DCWP Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine. “No one should have to navigate the maze of subscription traps or junk fees alone, and no one should struggle to access the government resources they already have. Today’s announcement sends a clear message: this administration is committed to modernizing government, harnessing technology in the public interest and ensuring market innovation works for New Yorkers — not the other way around.” 

 

“At a moment of profound disruption, New Yorkers, like Americans everywhere, want government to deliver for them and we should be able to use today’s incredible technological advances to help” said Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation. “The Rockefeller Foundation is proud to support our hometown’s PIT Crew initiative, which will be a model for how to harness the latest tools to solve problems and expand opportunity for everyone.” 

 

Experienced product managers, software engineers, designers, user researchers, service designers and other technologists committed to public service are encouraged to learn more and apply to join a PIT Crew at nyc.gov/pitcrew.   

Permits Filed for 489 East 152nd Street in Melrose, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a 17-story mixed-use building at 489 East 152nd Street in Melrose, The Bronx. Located between Third Avenue and Bergen Avenue, the lot is near the Third Avenue–149 Street subway station, served by the 2 and 5 trains. Joel Steinmetz of Lead It Builders LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 155-foot-tall development will yield 176,102 square feet, with 92,201 square feet designated for residential space, 83,537 square feet for commercial space, and 364 for community facility space. The building will have 195 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 472 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar and 23 enclosed parking spaces.

Nikolai Katz Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Held For 19-21 East 198th Street in Bedford Park, The Bronx

 

Construction is complete on 19-21 East 198th Street, two conjoined residential buildings in Bedford Park, The Bronx. Designed by Angelo Ng + Anthony Ng Architects and developed by AG holdings Group, the complex consists of 19 East 198th Street with 99 apartments and 21 East 198th Street with 67 units. Thirty-four of the 166 units are designated as affordable housing, and 20 parking spaces are available for rent to residents of both buildings. The 112-foot-tall structures are located between Jerome and Creston Avenues.

The property was formerly occupied by five three-story residential buildings, as seen in the below Google Street View image from before their demolition.

The affordable units are designated under New York State’s 485-x Affordable Neighborhoods Program for households earning up to 80 percent of the area median income (AMI), or roughly $122,000 for a family of three.

The nearest subways from the development are the 4 train at the Bedford Park Boulevard–Lehman College station, and the B and D trains at the Bedford Park Boulevard station.

A certificate of occupancy for 19-21 East 198th Street is expected later this month.

Mayor Mamdani Announces First-Ever NYC Parks “Parents’ Night Out,” Giving Parents and Caregivers a Free Evening Off

 

Free drop-off program offers children an evening of supervised recreation while parents and caregivers enjoy a few hours to themselves 

 

Families can register online from July 13 through July 20 

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura announced the launch of NYC Parks’ first-ever Parents’ Night Out, a free, one-night drop-off program that gives parents and caregivers the opportunity to enjoy an evening to themselves while children participate in supervised fun at select NYC Parks recreation centers across the five boroughs.  

 

While parents recharge, run errands, enjoy a date night or simply take time for themselves, children will spend the evening participating in supervised games, sports and fitness activities, arts and crafts, media education programs and nature exploration with Urban Park Rangers, all led by trained NYC Parks staff. The experience is designed to showcase the wide range of engaging recreational programs NYC Parks offers year-round. Dinner will be provided for all participants. 

 

“Every parent knows that a few hours to yourself can feel like a luxury,” said Mayor Mamdani. “It shouldn’t be. That's why we’re launching New York City’s first-ever Parents’ Night Out, so that parents can get a little time on their own to catch a movie, run errands or go on a date without worrying about who will take care of the kids — or how much it will cost. Making New York City more affordable isn’t just about lowering costs, it’s about giving people back their time. This administration is committed to making it easier to raise a family in the greatest city in the world.” 

 

“Parents and caregivers spend so much of their time taking care of everyone else, and they deserve an opportunity to recharge,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “Our first-ever Parents’ Night Out is about making sure our administration is working for New Yorkers by providing a free, safe and fun experience for children while giving families a few hours to themselves. Whether it’s enjoying dinner or simply taking a well-earned break, we’re proud to offer an affordable program that supports families and strengthens our communities.”  

 

This free program reflects NYC Parks’ commitment to making recreation more accessible and support working families by creating affordable opportunities that improve quality of life for New Yorkers. Children will enjoy an evening of recreation, including active games, sports, arts and crafts and group activities at the following in NYC Parks recreation centers:   

 

Brooklyn:   

Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center  

3105 Farragut Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11210    

 

Manhattan:   

Highbridge Recreation Center  

2301 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10033    

 

Queens:   

Al Oerter Recreation Center  

131-40 Fowler Ave, Flushing, NY 11355    

 

Bronx:   

Kwame Ture Recreation Center  

1527 Jesup Ave, Bronx, NY 10452  

 

Staten Island:   

Greenbelt Recreation Center  

501 Brielle Avenue (across from Sea View Hospital)  

 

Space is limited, and registration is required on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-ins will not be permitted. Families must register online between Monday, July 13 and Monday, July 20 and are asked to register for only one location. To apply, please visit: nyc.gov/parks/parentsnightout.

 

Following registration, participants will receive information by email about completing a required event waiver by Friday, July 31 and obtaining a free NYC Parks Recreation Center membership for each participating child by Sunday, August 16.  

 

Recreation center memberships are always free for children, and all participants must be between the ages of 6 and 13 by August 16, 2026. 

This week on Talking Politics.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRtvLnmengE

On this week's show, Trump resumes bombing Iran, new governor poll says race is tight, what the police commissioner didn't tell you about Bronx crime stats, Mamdani's attempt to rewrite New York City's immigrant history map, plus lots more anytime at the link above.

DHS Requires States to Adopt Common-Sense Election Security Measures Before Receiving Federal Funds

 

Protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure – including election security – is a top priority for President Trump and Secretary Mullin

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is taking decisive action to safeguard the integrity of American elections.

Threats to election systems are constantly evolving. This week, FEMA published the funding opportunity for the Homeland Security Grant Program, making over $1 billion of taxpayer funds available to state, Tribal Nations, territorial, and local governments. Before receiving award funds, states and other recipients must take critical, common-sense steps to protect U.S. elections.

“Election security is national security and protecting the Nation’s critical infrastructure is a top priority,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we are taking decisive action to protect election systems from threats like foreign interference, insider threats, and cyberattacks. These new requirements for homeland security grant recipients will preserve election integrity and ensure that Americans can trust the results.”

To strengthen election security, the Department of Homeland Security is requiring all grant recipients to take several key actions:

• First, states must submit a plan for transitioning away from unsecure electronic voting systems that use bar codes and QR codes to count votes and instead use equipment that accepts hand-marked paper ballots. This change helps create a necessary and reliable paper trail, making it easier to verify results and detect any irregularities.
• Second, after each federal election, states must conduct a manual audit of at least 5% of all ballots cast. This common-sense process involves physically reviewing a random selection of ballots to confirm that the machine reported results match results on the paper ballots. This will ensure accuracy and detect any machine errors or manipulation.
• Third, states are required to reconcile the number of voters who participated in each federal election with the number of ballots cast. This step ensures that the number of ballots cast matches the number of voters, a common-sense step that will help jurisdictions identify discrepancies prior to certification.
• Fourth, within 120 days of accepting the grant award, states must use the reliable and free U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system to verify the citizenship status of everyone listed in the state voter registration database. This measure helps ensure that only eligible citizens are registered to vote. 
  • [To the extent that the functionality of the SAVE system has been impacted by the June 22, 2026 order in the League of Women Voters v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Civ. Action No. 25-3501, while on appeal, for any person who is registered to vote but for whom a State does not have records of citizenship, the State may resolve this uncertainty by submitting relevant information to USCIS for an immigration records search consistent with the requirements of 8 U.S.C. § 1373.] 
• Finally, states must also use the SAVE system, or another authorized government system, to verify the citizenship of anyone working at polling places or operating election systems. This requirement applies to all individuals involved in the administration of elections, further protecting the process from potential vulnerabilities.

FEMA will withhold 20% of the grant recipient’s total HSGP award until they submit proof of compliance with these requirements and the Department verifies that proof. Eligible applicants are encouraged to review the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information on the requirements and the process for submitting proof of compliance.

FEMA’s grant programs are voluntary. State, Tribal Nations, territorial, and local governments must apply to receive federal funding and agree to follow the grant’s terms and conditions. Any recipient of federal funding should expect accountability for how taxpayer dollars are spent.

The Trump Administration is committed to ensuring that states, Tribal Nations, territories, local governments, and all recipients of federal funds are actively contributing to the security and integrity of our elections by implementing these common-sense measures.

Felon Unlawfully in the Country Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for Dealing Methamphetamine While in Possession of Loaded Handgun and Shotgun

 

Javier Velasquez Antunes was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for dealing methamphetamine while illegally possessing a loaded handgun and shotgun. U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria handed down the sentence. 

Antunes, 50, a national of Mexico, was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 12, 2025. He pleaded guilty on March 10, 2026, to Distribution and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Mixture and Substance Containing Methamphetamine, and Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition. 

According to the plea agreement, Antunes admitted that on July 10, 2025, he and two others dealt methamphetamine in the Mission District of San Francisco.  Officers from the San Francisco Police Department (“SFPD”) observed Antunes sell approximately one gram of methamphetamine from a car parked on Mission Street, before apprehending Antunes, two accomplices, and the buyer. All told, the four men had at least twelve grams net weight of methamphetamine between them.  SFPD then searched the car in which Antunes was sitting and found a loaded nine-millimeter handgun directly at the base of his seat as well as a loaded twelve-gauge shotgun bearing his DNA in a violin case in the back seat.  

Police also recovered various rifles and shotgun ammunition from the car.  Antunes had previously been convicted of Possession of a Controlled Substance While Armed and Felon in Possession of a Firearm in state court. 

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) Special Agent in Charge John Wester made the announcement.  

In addition to the prison term, Judge Chhabria also sentenced the defendant to a three-year period of supervised release and ordered that he forfeit money, a cellular phone, and the firearms and ammunition.  The defendant was immediately remanded into custody.