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Dear John,

It’s clearer than ever that Mayor Adams is not fit to lead New York City. On Monday, the Trump Administration pressured US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle Sassoon, to drop the criminal charges against him, claiming it was essential for Adams to carry out Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda without hindrance.

In response, Sassoon—who was appointed by Trump in January—chose to resign rather than compromise her integrity. In her resignation letter, she stated, “Adams’s attorneys repeatedly urged what amounted to a quid pro quo, indicating that Adams would assist with the Department’s enforcement priorities only if the indictment were dismissed.”

This week, Mayor Adams has certainly acted as if he is indebted to President Trump. He instructed his staff to refrain from criticizing ([link removed]) Trump, allowed Elon Musk’s DOGE to drain $80 million from the City’s bank account, and appeared on Fox News with Trump’s border czar to promote ([link removed]) a partnership with ICE. Furthermore, he announced ([link removed]) an upcoming Executive Order to cooperate more closely with ICE, undermining ([link removed]) City laws.

New Yorkers deserve leaders who will stand up against the destructive Trump agenda, not enable it. Once more, I call on Mayor Adams to resign for the good of our over 8 million residents. If he refuses, it is imperative that Governor Hochul or the Inability Committee ([link removed]) take action to remove him.

Reflections on Our Community Town Hall in Park Slope

Last weekend, I was proud to host Light the Way BK, a community town hall in Park Slope, bringing neighbors together to stand against the extreme policies and political intimidation of the federal administration. In just one month of the second Trump administration, we’ve witnessed dozens of harmful executive orders attacking our rights, our immigrant neighbors, and our trans siblings. This onslaught of cruelty is not random; it’s a calculated strategy designed to overwhelm, exhaust, and demoralize us.

President Trump has filled cabinet positions with unqualified ideologues intent on dismantling the very institutions they oversee. Moreover, he’s granted access to federal agencies and sensitive information to an unelected technocratic billionaire with no regard for the rule of law, leading to the illegal revocation of $80 million in federal funding meant for New York City. Trump’s aim is clear: to make an example of our city, vowing to gut congestion pricing and dismantling our sanctuary city laws.

In the face of Mayor Adams’ collaboration with Trump, your local representatives are standing strong, united in the fight against these serious threats. The City Council is committed to upholding our sanctuary policies and is exploring lawsuits against the Mayor for his recent directives that violate these protections. Attorney General Letitia James is leading a multistate coalition to challenge Elon Musk’s actions against Americans and has reminded our hospitals of their obligation to provide gender-affirming care in line with state law. These attacks are designed to instill fear and silence us, but last Sunday’s town hall reminded us that we are stronger together, and we will not be bullied into submission.

Despite the snow, we were joined by over 200 of our neighbors and a panel of experts on immigration, education, and reproductive rights: Jenna Lauter, Policy Counsel at the New York Civil Liberties Union ([link removed]) (NYCLU); Vladimir Tlali, Senior Policy Strategist at the New York Immigration Coalition ([link removed]) (NYIC); and Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, Co-Executive Director of Alliance for Quality Education ([link removed]) (AQE). Their insights provided valuable guidance on local actions and community strategies during this critical time. Check out our website forhighlights ([link removed]) from the event, where we’ll also be updating resources and opportunities to get involved. ([link removed])

Here are some key takeaways and actions you can take right now:
* Contact Governor Hochul’s Office and urge her to sign the New York Health Information and Privacy Act ([link removed]) , which gives New Yorkers control over their electronic health data and prevents the Trump administration from accessing it to punish New Yorkers who provide, seek, or support abortion or gender-affirming care.
* Join your local Community Education Council ([link removed]) , Parent Association, Community Board, or Neighborhood Block Association, as well as political clubs like Indivisible Brooklyn ([link removed]) .
* Advocate for the New York For All Act ([link removed]) , a State bill that would prohibit local law enforcement and state agencies from collaborating with ICE. I’m proud to have introduced a resolution ([link removed].) in the City Council calling on the State to reintroduce and pass this critical legislation. Spread the word to friends and loved ones across New York State.
* Sign up for updates from the NYIC ([link removed]) to stay informed on advocacy efforts to support our immigrant neighbors.

A special thank you to the community organizations that tabled with resources at the event, including BK Forge ([link removed]) , the Carroll Gardens Association ([link removed]) , the Alliance for Quality Education ([link removed]) , Mixteca ([link removed]) , Right to Be ([link removed]) , and the PS 39 Parent Association ([link removed]) . My office looks forward to hosting more gatherings and engaging neighbors to inspire local change, so keep an eye out for future events. We all play a role in lighting the way for a better future, and our strength lies in our collective solidarity with one another.

A heartfelt thank you to Assembly Member Simon and Senator Gounardes for partnering with me in this important effort, and to Gabriele Holtermann for the detailed recap ([link removed]) .
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Caption: Photos by Gabriele Holtermann

Community Bulletin
* Every New Yorker has legal rights, and it’s essential to be informed. Given the extreme actions taken by the Trump Administration and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), knowing your rights is the best way to protect yourself and your family. Here are resources ([link removed]) in English, Spanish, Bangla, Creole, and Cantonese that outline what you need to know if approached by ICE.
* Calling all arts community-based organizations: The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking partners ([link removed]) to install temporary, site-responsive public art on NYC DOT infrastructure, including medians, triangles, sidewalks, and fully pedestrianized asphalt spaces. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis!
* Help shape the future of the Gowanus neighborhood! The application to join the Gowanus Oversight Task Force is open through Friday, 2/28 ([link removed]) . Task Force members will engage with city agencies, participate in public meetings, and ensure the implementation of the 56 Points of Agreement, which were established as part of the Gowanus Neighborhood Rezoning.
* Join the Gowanus Houses Art Collective and Brooklyn Collaborative Studies for their inaugural Community Resource Day on Saturday, 2/22, from 12 to 4 PM at Brooklyn Collaborative Studies, 610 Henry Street. Learn more about adult education opportunities, GED prep, mental health support, and summer and after-school programming. Free breast cancer screenings are also available, but pre-registration is required. To register, email Parent Coordinator Tracey Pinkard at [email protected].
* Are you a caregiver of someone over the age of 60 and looking for support? Join Heights and Hills for a virtual workshop ([link removed]) to connect with fellow caregivers and learn essential caregiving techniques, tips for self-care, and strategies for managing common challenges on Tuesday, 2/18, at 6:30 PM. Registration is required ([link removed]) .

In Solidarity,

Council Member Shahana
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Our mailing address is:
New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif
197 Bond Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
USA
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