ICE Arrests More Than 100 Gang Members in Less Than a Week

 

Among those arrested were members of MS-13 and Tren de Aragua

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement announcing that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested more than 100 gang members in less than a week, including members of gangs such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua (TDA).

From October 4 to October 10, ICE arrested 131 gang-affiliated individuals, including 129 arrests by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and two arrests by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Among those arrested were 22 affiliates of MS-13 and 13 affiliates of TDA.

Since President Donald J. Trump returned to office on January 20, 2025, ICE has made 12,018 gang-related administrative arrests. This includes 1,965 MS-13 affiliates and 1,553 TDA affiliates.

“In less than a week, the brave patriots of ICE have arrested more than 100 gang members across the country, including members of MS-13 and Tren de Aragua,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “The best that America has to offer are on the frontlines every day to ensure that the worst of humanity cannot threaten or harm innocent Americans. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are smashing the gangs and cartels, making it impossible for them to do business in America, and removing their members from our country. Arresting and deporting illegal aliens, especially gang members, is how we make America safe again.”

Among the gang members arrested in recent days are:

Gustavo Adolfo Flores-Ramirez, an illegal alien from El Salvador and MS-13 member, arrested by ICE ERO in Las Vegas on October 14. He is wanted in his home country for charges of aggravated homicide, aggravated femicide, rape of a minor or incapacitated person, illegal or irresponsible handling, carrying, or possession of firearms, illicit grouping, and crimes involving public peace. Flores-Ramirez first illegally entered the United States at an unknown date and location, and was arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol in September 2021 and deported to Mexico. He then illegally re-entered the country – a felony – at an unknown date and location.

Jose Luis Perez-Arrias, an illegal alien from Venezuela and Tren de Aragua member, arrested by ICE Miami and ERO Tallahassee in Tallahassee, Florida on October 14. He is a suspected hitman for TDA. Perez-Arrias illegally entered the United States through Texas in October 2023 and was arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol. He was then RELEASED into the country by the Biden Administration.

Emerson Jossiel Calderon-Hernandez, an illegal alien from El Salvador and MS-13 member, arrested by ICE Washington D.C. on October 13. His criminal history includes a conviction for second-degree assault and arrests for attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, armed robbery, first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and false imprisonment. Calderon-Hernandez illegally entered the United States through Texas in August 2012 and was arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol. He was then RELEASED into the country by the Obama Administration.

On October 13, HSI Denver and ERO Denver arrested a 14-year-old illegal alien from Venezuela who is associated with Los Piratas Gang, a faction of Tren de Aragua, in Denver, Colorado. At the time of his arrest, he unlawfully had a Glock 48 pistol in his possession. The suspect is currently facing charges of first-degree murder – criminal attempt with extreme indifference, first-degree assault with extreme indifference, first-degree kidnapping, aggravated criminal extortion, illegal discharge of a weapon, and conspiracy.

Mayor Mamdani Launches Outreach Team to Help New Yorkers Keep Medicaid as Federal Cuts Threaten Coverage

 

Health and Affordability Resource Team (HART) will help New Yorkers navigate federal changes that put up to 900,000 residents at risk of losing Medicaid coverage

 

Funded by a $3 million investment in the FY 2027 budget, HART will connect New Yorkers with health insurance enrollment, food assistance, relief from hospital bills and housing support

As the federal government moves to impose new barriers to health care and food assistance, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the NYC Health Department today announced the launch of the Health and Affordability Resource Team (HART), a new outreach team that will help New Yorkers navigate sweeping federal changes to Medicaid and SNAP and connect them with the benefits and services they need.

Staffed by trained community health workers and supported by community-based organizations and volunteers, HART will help New Yorkers enroll in and maintain health coverage, access food assistance and cash benefits, secure housing support and obtain relief from hospital bills.

With new federal Medicaid work requirements set to take effect Jan. 1, 2027, as many as 900,000 New Yorkers could be at risk of losing their health coverage. HART will focus on reaching residents most likely to be affected by these changes, including New Yorkers who have already lost SNAP benefits because of expanded federal work requirements.

“Health care and nutritious food should not be a privilege. They are basic necessities,” said Mayor Mamdani. “While the federal government cuts taxes for the ultrawealthy by gutting essential services like SNAP and Medicaid, our administration is bringing help directly into communities. HART will help New Yorkers navigate these changes, keep the benefits they rely on and get the support they need.”

“Nutritious food and access to health care are essential to keeping New York City safe, healthy and affordable,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga. “Our administration is taking a whole-of-government approach to protecting New Yorkers from the consequences of federal cuts. Through HART, we will connect residents with the services they need and help ensure that no one loses access to critical support simply because navigating the system is too difficult.”

“As the federal government makes massive cuts to health insurance coverage, New York City is stepping up to make essential services more accessible,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. “Health care, housing and financial stability are foundational to healthy communities. HART will bring trained community health workers into neighborhoods to connect New Yorkers with the resources they need to stay healthy.”

“These federal changes are making it harder for low-income New Yorkers to keep their food and health care benefits,” said DSS Commissioner Erin Dalton. “The data tells us who is at risk and outreach makes sure we reach them. That approach has helped hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers keep their SNAP benefits, and with the Health Department and HART, we’re expanding this approach to help nearly a million at-risk New Yorkers keep their health insurance.”

Bringing support directly into communities

Funded by a $3 million investment by Mayor Mamdani in Fiscal Year 2027, HART will help New Yorkers maintain health coverage and access other services that support their health and financial stability.

HART community health workers speak a total of 13 languages and bring a range of professional and personal backgrounds to the work. Many have firsthand experience navigating the same health care and food assistance programs they will now help other New Yorkers access.

Outreach workers completed extensive training on federal changes to Medicaid and SNAP, cultural competency, community engagement and relationship-building. Their training also covered coordination with public health organizations, changes in health insurance eligibility and enrollment, and approaches to supporting community mental health.

HART targets key neighborhoods whose residents at risk of losing Medicaid coverage when expanded federal work requirements take effect on January 1, 2027.

In addition to helping New Yorkers enroll in and maintain Medicaid coverage, HART will connect community members with housing assistance, eviction prevention resources, hospital bill relief, and financial assistance for everyday expenses.

Building on the Health Department’s outreach

HART builds on the Health Department’s ongoing efforts to help New Yorkers maintain health coverage and navigate federal policy changes by empowering providers, equipping community partners and connecting residents directly with assistance.

In addition to launching HART, the Mamdani administration has:

• Reached more than 35,000 health care providers and 60,000 community and faith-based partners with guidance and resources to help New Yorkers navigate the federal changes.
• Held more than 50 trainings and engagement sessions, including a monthly webinar series for community partners and health care providers. More than 300 participants attended the first session.
• Hosted the first of a series of provider convenings, bringing together partners from across the health care system who will help New Yorkers navigate the coming changes
• Begun hiring additional enrollment counselors to help New Yorkers obtain or maintain health insurance.  

About federal work requirements

On March 1, the federal government expanded SNAP work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). Thousands of New Yorkers who were previously exempt must now meet federal work requirements to maintain their benefits.

Beginning January 1, 2027, new federal Medicaid work requirements and additional documentation requirements could put as many as 900,000 New Yorkers at risk of losing their health coverage.

New Yorkers who have lost or are at risk of losing their health insurance can call 347-655-0124 to speak with a NYC Health Department enrollment counselor or visit nyc.gov/medicaidhelp.

HERNANDEZ LAUNCHES STATEWIDE SPANISH-LANGUAGE AD SHARING HIS JOURNEY FROM CUBAN REFUGEE TO THE AMERICAN DREAM

 

Joseph Hernandez, the Republican and Conservative nominee for New York State Comptroller, today launched a statewide Spanish-language advertisement sharing his family's journey from communist Cuba to achieving the American Dream. Hernandez is the only candidate seeking statewide office in New York this election cycle running a Spanish-language advertisement statewide.   The 30-second ad, titled “El Sueño Americano” (“The American Dream”), will air on television and digital platforms across New York, reaching Spanish-speaking voters throughout the state.   In the ad, Hernandez recounts fleeing Cuba with his family at just seven years old in search of freedom and opportunity. His father washed dishes while his mother cleaned houses to support their family. Through their sacrifices and hard work, Hernandez went on to build businesses, raise three children, and achieve his American Dream. Now, he is running for State Comptroller to ensure that same opportunity remains possible for every New Yorker.   “My parents came to America with nothing but hope and worked tirelessly to give our family a better life,” said Hernandez. “That is the story of so many hardworking families across New York. But today, too many New Yorkers are working harder, paying more, and watching the American Dream slip away. I’m running to stand up for taxpayers, hold Albany accountable, and make sure every New Yorker has the same opportunity this country gave me.”

WATCH THE FULL AD HERE

Mamdani and Hochul Bring 2-K to All of the Bronx and Staten Island, Adding 10,000 Seats Across Every Borough

 

More than 12,000 children in all five boroughs will have access to 2-K beginning in fall 2027, advancing New York City’s path toward universal child care

 

Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul expanding 2-K to a majority of all NYC school districts  

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the school districts that will receive the next 10,000 2-K seats in fall 2027, expanding the program to every borough, every Bronx school district and all of Staten Island.

Building on the historic launch of 2-K earlier this year and strong demand from families, the expansion will bring free, high-quality, culturally responsive child care and early education to more than 12,000 families beginning in fall 2027. To celebrate the announcement, the Mayor and Governor joined families and child care providers at a Bronx trampoline park to hop, bounce and leap toward a more affordable city for working families.

On the eighth day of his administration, Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul announced the launch of 2-K in five school districts around New York City for fall 2026. Families submitted more than 5,700 applications for the first 2,000 seats. Backed by a $1.2 billion State investment, this expansion advances the City’s vision of universal child care for children from six weeks to five years old.

“For far too many New York City families, the joy of welcoming a child comes with a terrifying set of questions: How will I afford child care? Will I need to give up my job? Will I be forced to leave the city I love? Today, for 10,000 more families, we have an answer,” said Mayor Mamdani. “From Co-op City in the Bronx to Staten Island’s South Shore, we’re bringing 2-K to every borough and making New York City more affordable for working people. Families have told us what they need. Together with Governor Hochul, we are delivering.”

“Generations of parents have had to contend with the stress of child care costs in this city and state – but thanks to our partnership with Mayor Mamdani, that’s changing,” Governor Hochul said. “Last month, we stood together to celebrate the first day of 2-K in New York City, welcoming more than 2,000 kids to their new classrooms. Now, we’re pleased to announce the next phase, expanding the program to 10,000 more families across the city, including all of the Bronx and Staten Island. This is how we deliver real relief for working families, and make sure our kids get the best possible start in life.”

“As an educator and a parent, I know that education begins long before kindergarten. These early years are critical to building the foundation for lifelong learning, curiosity, confidence, and connection," said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. "Universal 2K doesn't just help working New Yorkers, it gives our youngest learners a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success, and I'm proud to be a part of an administration that invests in our families from the very start."

“Expanding 2-K to reach 10,000 additional children is a critical step toward delivering universal child care for all New Yorkers,” said Emmy Liss, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. “We have learned valuable lessons from parents and providers as we launched the first 2,000 seats this year. Continued engagement with families, educators and communities will inform and strengthen the program as we expand.”

The expansion will bring 2-K programs to 17 more of the City’s 32 geographic school districts, covering all five boroughs and bringing the total to 22 school districts. The City will also expand capacity in the five districts already offering 2-K to better meet demand.

In addition to the entirety of the Bronx and Staten Island, the below neighborhoods will newly be receiving 2-K seats:

Manhattan

• School District 4: East Harlem; Randall’s Island 
• School District 5: Central Harlem; East Harlem; Manhattanville / West Harlem; Morningside Heights; Hamilton Heights / Sugar Hill

Brooklyn

• School District 16: Bedford-Stuyvesant, including Stuyvesant Heights; as well as parts of northern Crown Heights and Ocean Hill 
• School District 17: Crown Heights; Prospect Lefferts Gardens; Wingate; Prospect Heights; Flatbush; East Flatbush; as well as parts of Erasmus, Farragut, Rugby, Remsen Village, Ocean Hill and Brownsville
• School District 19: East New York; New Lots; Cypress Hills; City Line; Spring Creek; Starrett City; as well as parts of Ocean Hill, Brownsville and Canarsie
• School District 20: Bay Ridge; Fort Hamilton; Dyker Heights; Bath Beach; as well as parts of Bensonhurst, Borough Park, Sunset Park, Kensington, Gravesend, Mapleton / western Midwood and western Flatbush 
• School District 21: Coney Island; Sea Gate; Brighton Beach; Gravesend; Homecrest; Mapleton / Ocean Parkway; Midwood; as well as parts of Bensonhurst, Borough Park, Madison and western Flatbush
• School District 32: Bushwick; as well as parts of East Williamsburg and northern Bedford-Stuyvesant

Queens

• School District 24: Corona, including North Corona; Elmhurst; Maspeth; Middle Village; Ridgewood; Glendale; Sunnyside; Woodside; as well as parts of Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, Rego Park, Woodhaven, Forest Hills and Long Island City
• School District 28: Rego Park; Forest Hills; Kew Gardens; Briarwood; Jamaica Hills; Jamaica; South Jamaica; Richmond Hill; South Richmond Hill; South Ozone Park; Baisley Park; Rochdale Village; Springfield Gardens; as well as parts of Kew Gardens Hills, Hillcrest, St. Albans, Glendale, Corona and Elmhurst
• School District 29: Queens Village; Cambria Heights; Hollis; St. Albans; Laurelton; Rosedale; Springfield Gardens; Brookville; portions of Bellerose, Jamaica Estates, Holliswood, Hillcrest, Jamaica Hills, Jamaica and South Jamaica

The expansion builds on the five districts where 2-K launched in fall 2026: District 6 in Manhattan, District 10 in the Bronx, Districts 18 and 23 in Brooklyn and District 27 in Queens.

Today’s announcement builds on the City’s broader efforts to advance universal child care. The Mamdani administration is moving more than 10,000 children off the child care voucher waitlist and has invested nearly $700,000 in early childhood educator apprenticeships to strengthen the City’s ability to recruit, train and retain educators.

As 2-K expands, the City is also working to ensure child care providers have the support they need to deliver high-quality care. In August, the City announced an overhaul of the New York City Public Schools’ (NYCPS) Division of Early Childhood Education contracting and procurement processes to increase transparency, shorten timelines, improve customer service and create more opportunities for provider input. The City also announced a plan to hire more than 200 new staff members at NYCPS to strengthen the agency’s capacity to deliver these essential services. In September, NYCPS outlined broader procurement reforms to modernize and strengthen its contracting processes.

To help prepare for fall 2027, the City will release a survey for providers that currently contract with NYCPS and a Request for Information (RFI) for new providers interested in offering 2-K services. Both will be released within the next week. Additional information will be available here.

2-K will continue to be offered through center-based child care programs and licensed family child care programs. The default operating model will remain a full-day, full-year program.

More information about the fall 2027 application timeline for families will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information about child care options for children under five in New York City, visit nyc.gov/childcare.

“This dramatic expansion of 2K will help reach neighborhoods across the five boroughs and ensure that our kids have the resources to thrive at an early age, regardless of their zip code or household income,” said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. “By running all day and all year, the program will support and empower working families. I thank the mayor for prioritizing this initiative and issue, and look forward to seeing it ultimately implemented in a way that enables access to everyone seeking a seat.”

“This expansion represents tangible progress towards affordability for working families with kids in New York City, and gives new and prospective parents a stronger reason to stay,” said City Comptroller Mark Levine. “These steps are critical to support our workforce, as they will draw and keep jobs and business here. I look forward to these 2K seats filling up for next fall, and continuing to work alongside Mayor Mamdani, Governor Hochul and others in advancing the effort to bring universal childcare to New Yorkers.”

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - Who let the Ghouls out? Wags to Witches is coming. . .

 

Something wickedly fun is coming to Van Cortlandt Park, and you’re invited! 

Join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, Van Cortlandt House Museum and the Urban Park Rangers for an afternoon of family fun and furry friends during Wags to Witches.

Here’s what’s brewing in our cauldron:

Creepy Crafts & Face Painting: Get creative with some Halloween magic!

Spine-Chilling Stories: LINC (Literacy in Community) will have spooky tales for families to send shivers down your spine.

Fourth Annual Canine Costume Contest: The cutest little monsters in the Bronx take the spotlight at 3 PM sharp! Think your pup has what it takes to steal the show? Register on the day of the event between 2 PM and 2:45 PM, or pre-register here.

Nocturnal Creatures & Wildlife Hike: During the day, the Urban Park Rangers will show off real creepy crawlies that you can touch. Keep the Halloween adventure going with an evening hike departing from the Nature Center at 6 PM and returning at 7:30 PM

Let us know you're coming! RVSP here. 

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

DHS Highlights Worst Tren de Aragua Gang Members Arrested in Georgia

 

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement highlighting the worst arrests of illegal alien Tren de Aragua gang members in the state of Georgia in recent months.

“The four long years of Biden’s open borders allowed some of the worst gang members to enter our country and terrorize our communities. The Trump Administration has been working tirelessly to right these wrongs and get these public safety threats off our streets,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “In recent months, in the great state of Georgia, ICE has arrested Tren de Aragua gang members whose criminal histories include armed robbery, aggravated assault, and drug possession. DHS will always put the safety of the American people first, and we will not stop until we have arrested and deported as many illegal aliens as possible. Mass deportations save lives.”

Among the recent Tren de Aragua arrests in Georgia are:

Jared Adonay Cruz Rivera, an illegal alien from Honduras, arrested by ICE in April. His criminal history includes a conviction for armed robbery, and arrests for aggravated assault, possession of a firearm or knife in commission of a felony, and possession of a Schedule I controlled substance.

Rudy Gabriel Sauceda Ramos, an illegal alien from Honduras, arrested by ICE in May. His criminal history includes arrests for aggravated assault, armed robbery, possession of firearm or knife during commission of or attempt to commit certain felonies, and possession of a Schedule I controlled substance.

Jonathan Homez Gonzalez, an illegal alien from El Salvador, arrested by ICE in May. His criminal history includes arrests for aggravated assault, armed robbery, possession of a firearm or knife in commission of a felony, and possession of a Schedule I controlled substance.

Jeremias Alexander Gomez Gonzalez, an illegal alien from El Salvador, arrested by ICE in May. His criminal history includes arrests for aggravated assault, armed robbery, possession of a firearm or knife during commission of felonies, and possession of a Schedule I controlled substance.

Henrri Enrique Cortez Vargas, an illegal alien from Venezuela, arrested by ICE in April. His criminal history includes arrests for theft of movable property and marijuana possession. 

Robin Acosta Gonzalez, an illegal alien from Cuba, arrested by ICE in May.

Wuilians Bruno Tejada Villeda, an illegal alien from Guatemala, arrested by ICE in April.

Wuilians Bruno Tejada Villeda, an illegal alien from Guatemala, arrested by ICE in April.

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Brazilian Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Managerial Role in Conspiracy to Launder Tens of Millions of Dollars in Illicit Cash Proceeds

Sixth Defendant Sentenced in $30 Million Multi-State Laundering Scheme 

Ygor Fokin Saviolli, 35, a Brazilian national, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role as a manager and supervisor in a money laundering organization that laundered more than $30 million in illicit proceeds, including the proceeds of drug trafficking. On September 24, five co-defendants received sentences ranging from 94 months in prison to 12 months and one day in prison.

Gabriel Cezar Menezes, 29, a Brazilian national, was sentenced to 94 months; Omar Aliperti De Mello Correa, 34, a U.S. citizen, was sentenced to 30 months; Leandro De Avila Goncalves, 43, a Brazilian national, was sentenced to 24 months; and Joao Andrade De Mello, 29, and Tadeu Sebastiane Rabelo Alves Barbosa, 30, both Brazilian nationals, were each sentenced to 12 months and one day. The Brazilian national defendants were illegally residing in the United States at the time of their arrests.

According to court documents, Saviolli, Menezes, Correa, Goncalves, De Mello, and Barbosa were part of a sophisticated money laundering organization that operated across the United States and spanned several countries. Members of the conspiracy arranged for U.S.-based couriers to receive bulk cash proceeds from the sale of controlled substances and then to deposit the cash at banks across the country in order to conceal and return those profits to, among others, the sources of drug supply operating outside the United States. Dozens of pickups across the country were coordinated through WhatsApp message chains that included facilitators and couriers. Saviolli provided upfront funds to facilitate the operations of the money laundering organization and oversaw the receipt and laundering of the bulk cash drug proceeds. Menezes also served as a facilitator, providing direction to and oversight of couriers, and personally picked up bulk cash on multiple occasions. Correa, De Mello, Barbosa, and Goncalves all served as couriers for the money laundering organization, conducting bulk cash pickups in cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Minneapolis, Rochester, and Tampa, among others. Over the course of the conspiracy, the organization concealed more than $30 million in cash. 

In June 2026, the defendants’ guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit money laundering were accepted by the district court.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida, and Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI investigated the case, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Rochester Resident Office and Homeland Security Investigations’ Brasilia Attaché Office and Miami Field Office. 

Trial Attorneys James Hepburn and Jessee Alexander-Hoeppner of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Monique Botero for the Southern District of Florida prosecuted the case. 

MNF’s mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations. 

MNF’s International Unit investigates and prosecutes cross-border money laundering schemes involving transnational criminal organizations, cartels, foreign official corruption and related money laundering affecting the U.S. financial system and prosecutes criminal cases and civil forfeiture matters to recover the proceeds of those crimes. 

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Establish Little Yemen as a Cultural District

Governor Hochul Secures Victory for Long-Term Effort to Recognize Little Yemen in The Bronx

Legislation A7033D/S6487C Designates Little Yemen as a Cultural District

Governor Hochul signed legislation allowing Little Yemen to be designated a cultural district. The Governor made the announcement while joined by business leaders and community members from across the Bronx. By signing this bill, Governor Hochul recognizes the vibrant Yemeni culture in the Bronx. Cultural organizations within the Little Yemen cultural district may be eligible for grant assistance from New York State. The district will span from White Plains Road on the west, to Bronxdale Ave on the east and north, and Van Nest Ave on the south.

“Little Yemen has long contributed to the culture of the Bronx, and it’s about time we recognize it,” Governor Hochul said. “At a time when Islamophobia is rising, we need to make sure every one of Little Yemen’s entrepreneurs, civil servants, teachers, police officers and hard working moms and dads know: You belong here. We see you. We are proud that you are with us, and we are here to support you.”

Little Yemen has rapidly grown over the past few years. Some families have long resided in Little Yemen or have come from other boroughs; others fled civil war abroad and found safety in New York. After years of Yemeni restaurant-openings and parades, Little Yemen will now be officially recognized as a cultural district. It will join “El Barrio” in East Harlem and the Harlem Renaissance Cultural District.