Office of the NYC Public Advocate

08/04/2026

This is America.

Where the public can be penalized for protecting their health with a mask, but immigration enforcement hides behind a mask to violate our rights.

Now that New York's mask ban for ICE is on hold, we must keep pushing for transparency.

Ruling says New York can prohibit cooperation between local police and federal immigration officials.

08/04/2026

When the governor and former mayor talked big about expanding involuntary commitment, we, and mental health advocates, foresaw the outcome.

The data—as in this new study—shows expanding access to voluntary treatment is often far more effective than force.

The first-of-its-kind evaluation of Kendra’s Law was commissioned at the direction of the state Legislature.

08/04/2026

ICE out of Inwood. ICE out of every neighborhood and borough.

People are dying in ICE custody. Children are being separated from parents. Communities are shut out of vital services.

We won't give up—and we know our rights: advocate.nyc.gov/blog/resources-to-protect-and-defend-immigrant-communities

Image Courtesy Cristobal Vivar

08/04/2026

Gun violence and violent crime are at record lows.

Public safety is a partnership—between law enforcement and community-driven solutions we must keep investing in—helping all New Yorkers feel and be safe.

Join this work at tonight's National Night Out: on.nyc.gov/nno

Major crime fell 12.7% compared to the same month last year.

08/04/2026

We thank the New York State Attorney General for issuing a consumer alert reminding businesses and consumers to comply with New York's e-bike and e-scooter safety laws.

This alert is a welcome and impactful step, and we'll continue to work with advocates and the New York City Council to ensure the safety of all.

08/03/2026

Months after Legionnaires' was identified at Haven Plaza, residents are facing mixed messaging and a lack of urgency from management.

We have to learn from past outbreaks to prevent the next one, and equip residents with the information they need to live safely in their homes.

More about Legionnaires disease: https://advocate.nyc.gov/blog/legionnaires-outbreak-2026

08/03/2026

Update: A Flash Flood Warning is in effect until 10:45 AM. Heavy rain will cause flooding of highways and streets.

Never drive or walk through floodwaters. Move to higher ground; if in a basement, go to a higher floor.

Multilingual and ASL Information: on.nyc.gov/2gFC6Hn

08/01/2026

🖤 Happy Black Business Month 🖤

You can support Black-owned businesses this August and year-round.

📍 Discover new Black-owned stores and enterprises with NYC Department of Small Business Services' Shop Your City tool: shopyourcity.cityofnewyork.us/

07/31/2026

Officers who pushed the NYPD to be more transparent and just have historically suffered for their integrity.

But today, former whistleblower Terrell Anderson is Deputy Chief. He’s worked closely with communities to improve public safety; we look forward to continued partnership.

07/31/2026

ICE out of New York, from Bushwick to Inwood.

Trump sent his minions to try to intimidate New Yorkers, tear families apart, and flaunt our laws—apparently pepper-spraying a protester exercising their right to record.

Know your rights; protect your neighbors:

The Office of the Public Advocate understands this is a fraught time for immigrant communities and would like to reinforce its commitment to serve all New Yorkers, especially those who are most impacted by sweeping policy changes at the federal level. No matter your immigration or citizenship status...