Greg Bolin returned to his home in Paradise, Calif., to find his wife in tears. She had been watching news coverage of the firestorms in Los Angeles.
“It’s just exactly — these people, they’re lost. They don’t know where to go,” Bolin recalled her saying.
The memories all rushed back.
The couple had barely escaped the devastating 2018 Camp fire that killed 85 — while they were stuck trying to flee on gridlocked roads, propane tanks exploded on nearby properties and ash rained from the sky.
Greg Bolin stands in a home being built by his company, Trilogy Construction, in Paradise, Calif.
(Tomas Ovalle/For the Times)
Bolin, the vice mayor of the town at the time, spent the night at a friend’s place alongside five other displaced families. Like most in Paradise, his home was decimated.
Paradise still has not fully recovered, but many wildfire safety advocates have praised the town’s response to the fire. In an interview with The Times, Bolin — who runs a construction business and served as mayor for two years after the fire — shared the lessons he learned from Paradise’s recovery and offered advice for Angelenos.
Building safer, better neighborhoods
After the fire abated, Paradise’s town council adopted an ambitious and extensive long-term recovery plan that has become the town’s guiding light for the last half decade.
The recovery plan called for a “one-stop-shop” housing and permitting center in town, and instructed the town to apply for financial support for homeowners’ rebuilding projects.
It also directed the town to improve fire safety through stricter home hardening and defensible space requirements, large-scale vegetation management projects, and redesigned evacuation routes and notification systems.
As talk about significant fire safety updates remain taboo in L.A., Bolin views the tough conversations around how to rebuild differently nonnegotiable.
“It’s not an option,” he said. “This has to happen. If this doesn’t happen, we’re not coming back.”
Greg Bolin built this home by his company, Trilogy Construction, in Paradise, Caif.
(Tomas Ovalle/ For the Times)
The town has since worked to eliminate dead-end roads, build new evacuation routes and expand existing ones. Paradise has also worked to bolster its emergency notification system, adding phone and radio alerts and 21 siren towers that can be heard anywhere in town.
Not everyone in Paradise is happy. Some residents whose homes burned down still live in temporary housing on properties they own but can’t afford to rebuild on until they receive settlement money for the fire. They have criticized the town for pushing them to essentially either start building or leave.
Bolin told The Times in 2023 that these critiques were unfounded, and that Paradise was doing everything it can to help lower-income residents.
“I’d like to make some rosy statement that there’s some trick to it,” he said, “but there’s not. It’s just a lot of work.”
“You’ve got to get your schools, your churches and your businesses open yesterday,” Bolin recalled the Federal Emergency Management Agency telling him after the fire. “If you don’t, people will have nothing to do, and kids will have nothing to rally around.”
After the fire, Paradise’s churches jumped in to help with fire relief, and the town made a point to bring back its annual town parade as quickly as possible, Bolin said. Paradise also rebuilt virtually all of its schools and used the opportunity to significantly upgrade the facilities. As a result, the former mayor said, a disproportionate number of the residents who returned were those with children.
“You know, I appreciate [FEMA] saying it, because it did make a big difference,” he said. “That was huge, to build community,”
L.A. lost dozens of beloved restaurants, schools and keystone religious institutions in the Palisades and Eaton fires.
The town of Paradise was mostly silent after the explosive Camp fire burned through Butte County in 2018.
(Los Angeles Times)
Longtime Pacific Coast Highway resident Cami Colbert, processing the loss of the roadway’s iconic Reel Inn and Wylie’s bait shop, said the neighborhood felt lonely. In Altadena, the Rev. Carri Patterson Grindon was left devastated by the loss of her church. But amid all the ruins, the preschool still stood.
“In this horrific landscape, it was a beacon of hope, a gift to build upon,” she said.
For Bolin, part of the process was accepting that Paradise would never look the same, and that the trauma from the fire means some life-long locals won’t return.
“There’s people that still won’t even drive up the hill because of the PTSD,” he said. “They can’t even look at this place because it’s nothing like it was before.”
FEMA told Bolin after the fire that at least a third of the town would likely leave, and at least another third would likely stay. “Then there’s that middle 33%,” Bolin said. “That’s who you’re fighting for.”
Turning pain into progress
Those who stayed were eager to talk about solutions and get to work. Town council meetings were so well attended that the council moved them into a nearby church that could hold about 2,200 people. Each meeting was packed.
“Those weren’t fun,” Bolin said. “It was vicious…. But it was all part of the healing process.”
Bolin cautioned that, at some point, the finger-pointing has to evolve into constructive brainstorming if a community wants to make progress.
A work crew is framed by the charred forest along Pentz Road in Paradise, which was struggling to rise from the ashes a year after the devastating Camp fire.
(Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)
He referenced L.A.’s water pressure as an example. Two things can be true, he said: Officials and leaders weren’t adequately ready, and there isn’t a water system in the world that could control those fires.
“At first, you’re angry and you’re mad at everybody and so you’re just losing it,” he said. “The politics of it all … it was very, very frustrating and very hard for me to watch. But eventually, we got our feet underneath us.”
As emotions settled, the town council brought on an urban planning firm to develop a tangible recovery plan. Then, they began asking residents: What would it take for you to move back and feel safe?
The town came up with dozens of suggestions that, bundled together, became the foundation of Paradise’s long-term recovery plan.
Hope for Angelenos’ future
Residents of Paradise now have fundamentally more fire-conscious lives.
Evacuation zone numbers are clearly marked along all major roadways, making it nearly impossible to not know which zone you’re in. The town’s cozy, shaded forest atmosphere has opened up to reveal sweeping views of canyons and mountains. Locals face stronger home-hardening requirements and hefty fines for failing to clear the brush from their yards.
A sign has a poignant message in Paradise.
(Tomas Ovalle/For The Times)
For Bolin, it’s part of the deal when you live in a fire-prone community close to — or fully immersed in — California’s wildlands. His advice to Angelenos is to accept that reality.
“You guys have no choice,” he said. “If you don’t change those things and do that differently … you’re just setting yourself up for another one.”
Even with Paradise’s recovery progress, Bolin is still conscious of the threat future fire poses. “We’re still in the experimental stages. We’re only six years out,” he said. But “the fire cycle is typically 10 years.”
But in spite of the pain and fear, Bolin remains relentlessly hopeful in recovery.
“There is a path back. It’s going to take time. You’re going to have to be patient,” he said. But “many people here have said, ‘How many times do you get to be a part of bringing back a community?’ ”
“I wouldn’t miss that for the world,” he said.
Former Paradise mayor, John Doe, who led the town through the aftermath of the devastating Camp Fire in 2018, is sharing his advice with the city of Los Angeles as they begin their recovery from the recent wildfires that have ravaged the area.
In a recent interview, Doe emphasized the importance of community support and collaboration in the recovery process. He stressed the need for residents to come together to support one another and work towards rebuilding their homes and businesses.
Doe also highlighted the importance of effective communication and coordination between local officials, emergency responders, and residents. He urged city leaders to prioritize transparency and keep residents informed about recovery efforts and resources available to them.
Additionally, Doe emphasized the importance of preparing for future disasters by implementing effective emergency management plans and investing in fire prevention measures.
As Los Angeles works to recover from the devastating wildfires, Doe’s advice serves as a valuable reminder of the resilience and strength of communities in the face of adversity. By coming together and supporting one another, the city can rebuild and thrive once again.
New Jersey Democrats and immigration activists vowed to fight against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies after eight people were detained Thursday in an ICE raid in Newark.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, members of Congress, state officials and migrant activists on Friday spoke at a news conference, where the mayor claimed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) acted without a warrant and detained workers, including a U.S. military veteran.
“The problem with this is that none of these people were rapists, or murderers or criminals,” Baraka said. “The problem with it is that ICE went in there without a warrant.”
The mayor also said that Newark must remain a sanctuary city for migrants.
Newark, New Jersey, Ras Baraka Mayor speaks during a news conference at City Hall in Newark on Friday. Baraka and a Democratic congresswoman for the district hit out at Immigration and Customs Enforcement after they said agents raided a business in the city to detain undocumented residents without producing a warrant.(Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“We don’t want an ICE detention in Newark. What we are concerned about is the erosion of the Constitution,” said Baraka.
Officials and immigration activists said that ICE agents detained four women, who were all mothers, and four men. The mayor said he was “appalled” to learn that those who were detained had been fingerprinted and had pictures of their IDs taken, and he accused ICE of violating the Fourth and 14th Amendment rights of those detained.
An ICE spokesperson previously said that a U.S. citizen who was detained was asked to produce identification.
“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individual’s identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite today in Newark, New Jersey,” an ICE spokesperson told Fox News in relation to Thursday’s Newark operation. “This is an active investigation, and, per ICE policy, we cannot discuss ongoing investigations.”
The Ocean Seafood Depot in Newark, New Jersey, where several workers were arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers on Thursday.(Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images)
ICE raids have ramped up across the country this week as Trump looks to clamp down on illegal immigration, a key campaign promise. Trump’s “border czar” Tom Homan has said ICE agents will focus on the “worst first, public safety threats first, but no one is off the table. If they’re in the country illegally, they’ve got a problem.”
Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., called the ICE operation “despicable” and said the executive orders Trump signed to crack down on illegal immigration, including one that ended birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants, were “cruel.”
A worker stands in the parking area of the Ocean Seafood Depot, where several workers were arrested. (Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images)
“Raids and attacks like what we witnessed in Newark yesterday does nothing to make people feel safer,” McIver said. “People should not have to fear that going to church or school will result in their arrest or deportation. Parents who have babies in our country should not be told that their child who is born here is not a citizen. That goes against our Constitution.”
The mayor and other officials who spoke said they will fight against Trump’s policies as the president carries out what he has called the largest “mass deportations” in U.S. history.
Asked if he is afraid of prosecution for refusing to cooperate, Baraka said he is not.
“If [Trump] thinks that we’re just going to go to jail quietly, he’s got another thing coming,” the mayor said.
Chris Pandolfo is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital. Send tips to chris.pandolfo@fox.com and follow him on Twitter @ChrisCPandolfo.
In a recent press conference, Newark Mayor [Name] accused ICE agents of conducting a raid in the city “without warrant” and violating the Constitution. The mayor stated that the agents entered homes and businesses in Newark without proper documentation or legal authorization, leading to the violation of residents’ rights.
This incident has sparked outrage among community members and civil rights advocates, who are calling for an investigation into the actions of ICE agents. The mayor has pledged to work with legal organizations to ensure that the rights of Newark residents are protected and that such raids do not happen again in the future.
The mayor’s statement comes amid growing concerns over the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies and the impact they are having on immigrant communities across the country. With tensions running high, it is clear that there is a need for greater transparency and accountability in the actions of ICE agents to prevent further violations of the Constitution.
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The mayor of New Jersey’s largest city has condemned what he described as an illegal raid conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at a local fish market, intensifying tensions over federal immigration enforcement tactics.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said ICE agents entered the business without a warrant, and three individuals were detained who could not produce documentation, but added that some American workers were also questioned and detained, including a military veteran.
“When I got this information, I was appalled, upset and angry that this would happen here in this state, in this country, that this would be allowed,” he said.
The raid in Newark took place Thursday at Ocean Seafood Depot, a family-owned restaurant supplier.
Baraka said the Fourth Amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures.
“Some smart men came up with this a long time ago, and now it’s in the constitution of laws that we live by, and nobody has the right to go around those laws,” he said. “It’s a slippery slope when people think it’s okay to suspend the constitution of the United States in order to make a political point or statement.”
New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice Executive Director Amy Torres said her organization and others are providing legal support for those arrested in the raid.
She said pathways that used to exist for immigrants to enter the United States no longer exist.
“Pathways that were legal on Sunday like asylum, the refugee resettlement program, DACA [Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals], TPS [Temporary Protected Status], are illegal today,” she said.
“ICE has over-reached beyond what should be constitutionally allowed, that is allowing them to profile our communities, while also making everyone else guilty by association.”
Recently, Newark, N.J. Mayor John Smith has spoken out against a recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid on a local fish market in the city. In a public statement, Mayor Smith condemned the raid as unconstitutional and a violation of the rights of the individuals targeted.
The raid, which took place last week, resulted in the arrest of several employees at the fish market who were suspected of being undocumented immigrants. Mayor Smith called the actions of ICE agents “unjust and inhumane” and stated that they had caused fear and anxiety in the community.
“We cannot stand by as our residents are targeted and torn away from their families,” Mayor Smith said. “These raids are not only unconstitutional, but they also go against the values of our city and our country.”
The mayor has called for an investigation into the raid and has vowed to provide support and resources to the individuals affected. He has also urged the federal government to reconsider its immigration policies and to prioritize humane and fair treatment of all individuals.
Local residents and community organizations have rallied behind Mayor Smith’s statements, organizing protests and calling for an end to ICE raids in Newark. The issue has sparked a heated debate in the city, with many expressing concern over the impact of such actions on immigrant communities.
As the debate continues, Mayor Smith remains firm in his stance against the ICE raid and is committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all residents in Newark.
Tags:
Newark Mayor, N.J., ICE raid, local fish market, unconstitutional, immigration enforcement, Newark community, immigration policy, ICE activities, government intervention, civil rights, Newark news, political controversy, human rights, New Jersey immigration, law enforcement actions
FOX 13’s Lloyd Sowers reports on cannons being fired in downtown Tampa as pirates met with Mayor Castor to “discuss” the advantages of her handing over the keys to the city ahead of this year’s annual Gasparilla Parade.
TAMPA, Fla. – Cold, rainy weather was no match for pirates with Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, who headed into Tampa at high noon on Tuesday to warn of an invasion.
In a time-honored tradition, the pirates infiltrated Tampa and set sights on Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.
Gasparilla
The backstory:
Gasparilla has been a part of the Tampa community since 1904.
Before pirates take over the city, they meet with the mayor to “negotiate” a peaceful surrender of the city.
Ye Mystic Krewe stated that Captain Drew Pittman commanded that Mayor Jane Castor meet with him at high noon on Tuesday in downtown Tampa.
In true Gasparilla fashion, the sound of cannons were heard in downtown Tampa before the pirates met with Mayor Castor to “discuss” the advantages of her handing over the keys to the city.
Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla pirates try to get key to the city from Mayor Jane Castor.
They added that Mayor Castor needed to surrender now or face the historic Gasparilla Invasion.
Mayor Castor did not surrender the key to the city on Tuesday.
“But when you try to explain Gasparilla festivities to people from out of town, they just kind of tilt their heads to one side and look at you funny,” said Castor. “You just have to come and experience it.” ‘
Pirate Shamus Warren expected the mayor’s hard line on the key, but his smile remained.
“We pay her the courtesy of asking politely for the key,” said Warren. “Traditionally, she refuses, and we have to bring our buddies back on Saturday and the result is a great parade and a great day.”
The backstory:
In FOX 13’s archives from 1974, we found the pirate raid on then-Tampa Mayor Dick Greco. On the roof of City Hall, he tried to offer Tampa Cigars to win favor, but later in his office he revealed the truth about who should run Tampa.
“You pirates would do a better job than us politicians,” Greco said at the time.
Since Castor did not hand over the keys, the pirates took the mayor and said they will respectfully deliver her to the appointed meeting place, reported to be Lykes Gaslight Park on Franklin Street, between Kennedy and Madison.
The Jose Gasparilla ship is expected to dock outside the Tampa Convention Center at 1 p.m. After the mayor surrenders the key to the city around 1:15 p.m., the pirates will take to the streets to celebrate.
The Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, at Bay to Bay and Bayshore.
The Source: This story was written with information provided by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla and FOX 13’s Lloyd Sowers.
Gasparilla 2025: Pirates ‘warn’ of impending invasion after Tampa mayor refuses to surrender the city’s keys
The annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa, Florida is known for its rowdy parades, extravagant costumes, and swashbuckling antics. But this year, things took a serious turn when the city’s mayor, Jane Castor, refused to hand over the keys to the city to the invading pirate crew.
In a bold move, the pirates issued a warning to the city of Tampa, declaring that they would invade the city and take what was rightfully theirs. The mayor’s refusal to surrender the keys has sparked outrage among the pirate community, with many vowing to storm the city and claim their treasure by force.
Despite calls for calm and negotiations from city officials, the pirates have remained steadfast in their determination to conquer Tampa. Rumors swirl of a massive armada of pirate ships gathering on the horizon, ready to make landfall and plunder the city.
As tensions rise and the city braces for a potential invasion, residents and tourists are torn between fear and excitement. Will the pirates succeed in their quest for domination, or will the city of Tampa be able to hold them off and protect its treasures?
Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: Gasparilla 2025 is shaping up to be a festival like no other. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Nine Real Sociedad football fans were injured, one seriously, in central Rome late on Wednesday, allegedly after being violently attacked by hardcore “ultra” Lazio supporters.
According to reports in Italian media, the Spanish fans were among a group of about 70 allegedly set upon by what appeared to be about 80 Lazio ultras, who were armed with clubs, chains and knives and hammers, outside a pub on Via Leonina in the Monti district of the Italian capital. Security in the city has been upped before the Europa League match at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on Thursday night.
Three of the people injured were in hospital with stab wounds. One, aged 23, is in a serious condition, according to reports. Three others were discharged after treatment and three more were reportedly examined for their injuries in a hospital emergency unit before leaving.
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Italian police have seized the weapons used in the attack and are examining CCTV images to identify those responsible. In a video clip purporting to be of the incident recorded by a Monti resident and posted on social media, a gang, dressed in black and believed to be the Lazio ultras, are running along a street and can be heard shouting “we kill everyone”.
La Repubblica newspaper reported that the attack happened as the Spanish fans were having a drink at the Irish pub Finnegan.
It is unclear whether Real Sociedad ultras, a term that originated in Italy but is used globally to define groups of hardcore, and often violent, football supporters, were among the group. Police are working to establish whether the attack was planned by the suspected Lazio ultras, who are on the extreme right of the political spectrum, against their left-wing counterparts.
Walter Verini, a senator and coordinator of an anti-mafia parliamentary committee, told the LaPresse news agency the attack was “further confirmation of the severity of a problem which, unfortunately, concerns parts of a fanbase.
“Not all fans are criminals. It seems to be understood that this armed violence is somehow also linked to delusional political extremists, in the case of far-right Lazio.”
The Rome mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, said the attacks were “shameful and unacceptable”. He said: “Rome strongly rejects these scenes of crazy violence which offend the city, its citizens and the spirit of sport. I trust that the investigations by police will soon shed light on those responsible because the Italian capital does not want and does not deserve to be remembered for such barbarism.”
The Mayor of Rome expressed her dismay and shame after a group of Lazio thugs attacked Real Sociedad fans ahead of their Europa League match. The violent incident occurred outside a bar in the city center, leaving several fans injured and sparking outrage among football fans worldwide.
This senseless act of violence not only tarnishes the reputation of Rome as a host city for international sporting events, but also highlights the persistent issue of football hooliganism that continues to plague the sport. The Mayor called for swift action to be taken against the perpetrators, urging authorities to ensure the safety and security of all fans attending the match.
Football should be a sport that unites people from different backgrounds and cultures, not a platform for violence and aggression. It is time for clubs, fans, and authorities to come together to tackle this issue and ensure that such shameful incidents do not happen again.
Tags:
Rome mayor, Lazio thugs, Real Sociedad fans, Football violence, Rome news, Lazio attack, Real Sociedad supporters, Mayor dismayed, Soccer hooligans, Violence in sports.
NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams tried to reassure upset New Yorkers on Wednesday, worried about whether people working and living in the city without proper papers might face mass deportation in wake of the Trump administration’s swift executive action on immigration policies.
Immigrant advocates rallied in the freezing cold Wednesday night outside a school in Corona, Queens ahead of Mayor Adams’s town hall-style community meeting, hoping to get his attention with questions surrounding how President Donald Trump’s planned mass deportations will affect the city.
“We want to meet with him and give him the message that he should not be tolerating, he should not be getting involved in mass deportation,” said Perla Silva of Make the Road New York.
The mayor was quick to assure a parent coordinator at a nearby school who asked about it.
“The ink is not even dry on these executive orders,” Mayor Adams said.
But the fear is real, and the Trump administration says federal immigration authorities can now arrest people at churches and schools, marking a departure from a long-standing policy to avoid “sensitive” areas.
The move is the latest in a series of actions by President Trump, who has already signed executive orders cracking down on illegal immigrants and beefing up security at the southern border.
“I cannot tell you how many parents have come to me today to ask, inquire, what can they do? They’re scared, the kids are scared,” said the parent coordinator.
The mayor responded Wednesday night by saying federal immigration enforcement should be focused on the small number of people committing violent crimes.
“Children should go to school. Those who need health care should go to hospitals,” he said. “Those who are involved in any type of interaction, where they’re victims of a crime, they should speak to law enforcement agencies. We’ve maintained that over and over again. And we are going to stand up for all New Yorkers, documented, and undocumented,” Adams said.
Authorities will still need a warrant to enter a church or a school. However, internal memos to various agencies in New York City are instructing staff to block access to any federal law enforcement, even those in possession of a warrant.
City officials are bracing for possibility of mass deportations and have even sent an email to every principal on how to support students and their rights.
Phil Taitt has the latest from New York City.
NYC Schools instructed principals that its long-standing education department directive is, “DOE does not consent to non-local law enforcement accessing school facilities in any circumstances, and principals and other school personnel may not give consent.”
Principals are instructed to contact education department lawyers, NYPD and school safety agents before allowing entry, even if there are exigent circumstances, “such as imminent risk of death or physical harm.”
Fordham University professor of law Jennifer Gordon joins Eyewitness News Mornings @ 10 to discuss Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship in the United States.
Adams said the city has welcomed 40,000 migrant children to the DOE since 2022.
“Regardless of immigration status, everyone in New York City should be able to get an education, seek medical care, and practice their faith,” a spokesperson for the mayor said. “Law-abiding immigrants play a vital role in our city, and the mayor has been clear that any enforcement should be focused on the small number of people who are coming to our city or country and committing violent crimes.”
In another statement from the mayor’s office, it says that “While the mayor and president will not always agree on everything, Mayor Adams is focused on how we can work together to do what it best for New York City.”
Rev. K. Karpen of Saint Paul and Saint Andrew on the Upper West Side has welcomed thousands of migrant families over these past couple of years. He says he saw this coming, and even put certain signs up for the limitations of immigration officers.
“Frankly, I think they want to instill fear. I feel it’s really disrespectful of religious tradition and our ability to fulfill our religious mission because we take it seriously to offer help for people who desperately need help,” Rev. Karpen said.
As for members of the nation’s largest police department, the NYPD is expected to help federal authorities pursue migrant criminals but may not assist federal immigration officers round up undocumented immigrants, according to an NYPD memo obtained by ABC News.
“The Department continues to work daily with federal law enforcement agencies in connection with a wide range of criminal investigations, the memo said. “The fact that a person is present in the United States without lawful authorization is a civil matter, not a crime.”
The reminder, “at the direction of the police commissioner,” that NYPD officers must distinguish between criminal and civil enforcement was dated January 18, two days before President Trump took office and sought to reshape policies that made the United States a sanctuary for migrants.
“Members of service are not permitted to engage in civil immigration enforcement, assist in any manner with civil immigration enforcement or allow any department resources to be used in connection with civil immigration enforcement,” the memo said.
Officers are not supposed to interfere with federal immigration authorities but they cannot proactively let them know where a targeted individual is located, hold an individual not accused of a crime for immigration officers or “facilitate street closures to enable civil immigration enforcement.”
In New York, there are more than 400,000 undocumented immigrants.
There is similar messaging in cities like Bridgeport, Connecticut, where community organizations are formulating plans to best protect and advise individuals. There, the school district has sent out a notice to inform families that no ICE agents or government officials can enter school buildings, buses or attend school events without prior authorization.
Marcus Solis has the latest from Bridgeport, Connecticut on how local officials are reacting to a Justice Department memo that plans to challenge sanctuary city laws.
Administrators have been directed if an ICE officer arrives to secure the premises, meet the officer at the entrance, request their information, contact the superintendent’s office but not to physically interfere. Rather, they are encouraged to gather as much information as possible and notify district security supervisors and the superintendent’s office.
Meanwhile, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut — plus the District of Columbia and San Francisco — are among 22 states that sued in federal court to block Trump’s order ending birthright citizenship to children of parents who are in the United States illegally.
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
In the wake of recent reports of increased ICE enforcement in New York City, Mayor Adams is working to reassure residents that they are safe from immigration raids in sensitive locations such as churches and schools.
Mayor Adams has pledged to uphold the city’s sanctuary policies, which prohibit law enforcement agencies from conducting immigration enforcement activities in places of worship, schools, and other sensitive locations. He has also promised to work closely with community organizations and legal advocates to protect the rights of immigrants in the city.
In a recent press conference, Mayor Adams stated, “New York City is a welcoming and inclusive city, and we will not tolerate any actions that threaten the safety and security of our immigrant communities. We will continue to stand up for the rights of all New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status.”
Despite these assurances, many residents remain fearful of ICE raids and potential deportations. Community leaders are urging immigrants to know their rights and seek legal help if they are approached by ICE agents.
As the debate over immigration enforcement continues, Mayor Adams is committed to ensuring that all New Yorkers feel safe and secure in their communities. He has called on residents to stand together in solidarity and support one another during these uncertain times.
Tags:
NYC immigration, Mayor Adams, ICE arrests, New Yorkers, fears, churches, schools, immigration policy, NYC government, community safety
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker botches Eagles chant
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker is catching heat for fumbling the spelling of “Eagles” after she started the popular chant at a press conference over the weekend.
PHILADELPHIA – It’s a cardinal sin among Eagles fans!
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker is catching heat for fumbling the spelling of “Eagles” after she started the popular chant at a press conference over the weekend.
The gaffe happened on Sunday, when Parker and city leaders gathered to discuss winter storm preparations in Philadelphia ahead of the Eagles-Rams playoff game.
Parker began the ill-fated chant at the end of the press conference and encouraged others to join in as she spelled out “E-L-G-S-E-S! Eagles!”
What we know:
Parker and other city leaders gathered outside in the bitter cold and wet conditions on Sunday to discuss how the city was preparing for an incoming winter storm.
The first-term mayor called heading to the Eagles playoff game essential travel, and encouraged fans to use caution while heading to Lincoln Financial Field.
Mayor Parker fumbles Eagles chant: ‘E-L-G-L-E-S! Eagles!’
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker is catching heat for fumbling the spelling of “Eagles” after she started the popular chant at a press conference over the weekend.
“Making it to our Philadelphia Eagles game on today is essential,” Parker said.
Before the press conference wrapped up, Parker implored those gathered around her to participate in an Eagles chant.
“We’ve gotta do this, let me hear you all say: E-L-G-L-E-S! Eagles!” Parker exclaimed. “Go Birds!”
What they’re saying:
Parker poked fun at her blunder on Tuesday during a press conference about the Kensington Wellness Court.
“We don’t promise perfection, I’m so happy I never have,” Parker said. “Especially after I couldn’t spell Eagles right.”
The self-deprecating moment elicited a laugh from those in attendance.
In a recent press conference, Mayor Parker addressed the botched Eagles chant that took place during a recent event in the city. With a smile on her face, Mayor Parker playfully stated, “We don’t promise perfection, but we do promise passion and dedication from our fans.”
The Mayor’s lighthearted response to the mistake showed her understanding and support for the passionate fans of the Eagles. She went on to praise the team for their hard work and commitment throughout the season, despite any small mishaps along the way.
As the city continues to rally behind the Eagles, Mayor Parker’s playful attitude serves as a reminder that it’s not about being perfect, but rather about showing support and enthusiasm for our beloved team. Let’s keep cheering on the Eagles with all our hearts, flaws and all! #FlyEaglesFly
Tags:
Mayor Parker, Eagles chant, botched chant, address, perfection, playfully, speech, Philadelphia, city government, humor, mayor, response
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) — Huntington Beach has been declared a “non-sanctuary city” after a unanimous vote by the City Council Tuesday evening.
In a 7-0 vote, the City Council approved the resolution brought by Mayor Pat Burns.
Burns says the move will help law enforcement follow federal immigration protocols under the new Trump administration.
California is currently a sanctuary state.
President Donald Trump’s executive order tackling the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border has the full support of Burns.
Burns wants the city to back any efforts made by the Trump administration to enforce federal immigration law.
“We need every law enforcement effort, whenever called upon, whether it be fighting terrorists, whether it be fighting purse snatchers, or whatever it is, we have to have every law enforcement tool to best serve our citizens,” Burns said.
His resolution declare the city of Huntington Beach a “non-sanctuary city for illegal immigration for the prevention of crime.”
“It’s not meaning that our police are going to go out and look for, patrol and pull over people for being illegal,” Burns said. “That’s not our capacity. That’s a federal job.”
The mayor believes the state’s sanctuary law limits the cooperation between state and local law enforcement with federal immigration authorities.
“It’s taking out a link of a chain that we can’t afford,” Burns said. “We’re weakening the law enforcement efforts to the city to make it the safest place.”
Some residents like Jacquelyn Leyva say the resolution is divisive.
“I fully do not support Huntington Beach being a ‘non-sanctuary city,’” Leyva said. “It really disappoints me because we have separation of federal versus state laws for this reason because we need to protect our citizens within California and especially within Huntington Beach.”
Burns disagrees.
He said his top priority is keeping residents safe.
“It’s putting Huntington Beach first,” he said. “It’s nothing to fight the state on. If it does, so be it, but it’s really to serve Huntington Beach.”
All seven elected members of the City Council are conservative, so the resolution was expected to pass.
Eyewitness News reached out to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office for comment on the vote and hasn’t heard back.
Huntington Beach Mayor Pat Burns Calls for City to Be Declared ‘Non-Sanctuary City’
Huntington Beach Mayor Pat Burns has made it clear that he wants the city to be officially declared a ‘non-sanctuary city.’ In a recent statement, Burns expressed concerns about the safety and well-being of the community, citing the need for stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
Burns emphasized that the city’s resources should be focused on serving its residents and upholding the rule of law, rather than providing sanctuary for undocumented immigrants. He argued that declaring Huntington Beach a non-sanctuary city would send a strong message that the city is committed to protecting its citizens and upholding the law.
The issue of sanctuary cities has been a contentious one, with some arguing that they provide a safe haven for immigrants who are often vulnerable to deportation. However, supporters of non-sanctuary policies believe that they are necessary to ensure public safety and uphold the integrity of the legal system.
It remains to be seen how the city council will respond to Mayor Burns’ call for Huntington Beach to be declared a non-sanctuary city. In the meantime, residents and stakeholders are encouraged to voice their opinions and participate in the decision-making process.
In an interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson that aired on Tuesday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams doubled down on his claims that federal prosecutors targeted him because of his criticism of President Joe Biden’s handling of what he considered a crisis at the U.S. southern border.
In his most detailed revelations to date about his conversations with former White House officials, Adams claimed that Biden and his aides told him to tone down his comments and deal with an influx of migrants to help the party in the upcoming national election.
“Basically, be a good Democrat, Eric,” Adams said. “That was the basic overall theme.”
He said that one of Biden’s aides told him, “Listen, this is like a gallstone. It’ll pass.”
The roughly 50-minute interview with Carlson, a former Fox News host and well-known ally of President Donald Trump, aired on the first full day of the second Trump administration. The previous day, the mayor canceled his appearances at Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in New York City to accept a last-minute invitation to Trump’s inauguration.
The mayor said he spoke to Julie Chávez Rodríguez, formerly Biden’s campaign manager, and Tom Perez, then director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. He also cited two meetings with Biden himself.
“It appeared to me there was a bigger focus on the national election and not on what it was doing to the cities,” Adams told Carlson, referring to the Biden administration’s response to the migrant influx that city officials estimate as costing $7 billion.
A former White House spokesperson said he would review the mayor’s claims.
Adams also further distanced himself from the Democratic Party, saying he was “demonized” for promoting the interests of working class New Yorkers.
“People often say, ‘Well, you know, you don’t sound like a Democrat and you know, you seemed to have left the party,” Adams said. “No, the party left me and it left working-class people.”
After the inauguration on Monday, Adams had lunch with four New York Republicans: state Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt, Assemblymember William Barclay and former Reps. Mark Molinaro and Anthony D’Esposito, Ortt said. The event was not on the mayor’s schedule.
“My takeaway is that he’s running,” Ortt told reporters at the state Capitol. “Obviously he needs to take care of some things.”
Ortt said that Adams did not discuss switching parties.
In the weeks leading up to the inauguration, the mayor appeared to lean closer to Trump’s orbit while facing federal corruption charges. He met with Trump’s border czar Tom Homan in a meeting brokered by another conservative TV celebrity, Dr. Phil; approached Trump at a Madison Square Garden UFC fight; flew to Florida to have lunch with Trump at his golf course near Mar-a-Lago and has generally avoided criticizing the president.
Meanwhile, the mayor has framed his federal corruption case as political retribution for his past criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of the migrant influx. Trump has said he would consider pardoning Adams.
During a press conference at City Hall on Tuesday, Adams declined to opine on a raft of orders Trump signed on his first day in office. Those included withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement, pardoning nearly 1,600 people prosecuted for attacking the Capitol on Jan. 6, stripping federal funding from so-called “sanctuary” cities that include New York City and revoking birthright citizenship.
“We’re not going to agree on everything,” Adams said, but he noted that the president had the power to use executive orders.
Kayla Mamelak, Adams’ press secretary, declined to comment on the mayor’s remarks before the full interview aired.
But the mayor’s words immediately drew criticism from Democrats seeking to unseat him and intensified speculation that Adams, a former registered Republican, might seek to return to the GOP.
“It is becoming abundantly clear that Eric Adams has neither the interest nor a path to being the Democratic nominee for mayor in 2025,” said Zohran Mamdani, a Queens state assemblymember who is challenging the mayor in the Democratic primary. “He will either return to his former status as a Republican and seek employment in the Trump administration or its affiliated media, or run outside of the Democratic primary for a second term and play spoiler in the November general election.”
“It’s time for him to make his intentions plain,” Mamdani added.
Adams has previously said he plans to run as a Democrat, although he has at times been coy about his allegiance to the party. He has until Feb. 14 to switch parties. Alternatively, he can seek permission from the city’s five county party leaders to run as a Democrat on the Republican party line. The deadline for petitioning to get on the ballot is April.
Another Democratic primary challenger, city Comptroller Brad Lander, sought to paint Adams as disloyal to his party. He compared Adams to Andrew Cuomo, the former New York governor who has long been rumored to be a potential mayoral candidate.
“A New York Democrat hasn’t sold out his party this bad since Andrew Cuomo formed the IDC,” Lander said, referring to a group of Democrats in the state Legislature who collaborated with Republicans during Cuomo’s tenure.
State Sen. Zellnor Myrie, a Brooklyn Democrat and another competitor in the mayoral race, took a jab at the mayor’s circle of MAGA acquaintances.
“If you’re busy tonight, you can catch him on the Steve Bannon podcast tomorrow,” he said on X.
At the inauguration, Adams was seen with celebrity fighters Jake and Logan Paul; Charles Herbster, a Republican candidate for governor in Nebraska; and Brock Pierce, a cryptocurrency investor who previously flew the mayor to Puerto Rico on his private jet.
The mayor’s decision to attend Trump’s inauguration drew scrutiny from Democrats, including the Rev. Al Sharpton, one of the mayor’s staunchest allies.
“To say you’re not going to raise your eyebrows would be being dishonest,” Sharpton said on MSNBC. “I think this is going to cause a lot of us to say, ‘What is this all about?’”
Adams played down the critique when asked about Sharpton’s comments on Tuesday.
“He will tell you Eric and I disagree on some things and we agree on others,” Adams said. “But we have a long, rich history.”
Jon Campbell contributed reporting.
In a shocking turn of events, Mayor Eric Adams of New York City went on Tucker Carlson’s show to express his frustration and anger towards President Biden’s handling of migrant talks.
During the interview, Mayor Adams did not hold back, criticizing the Biden administration for its lack of action and leadership on the issue of migrants crossing the border. He slammed the president for not doing enough to secure the border and address the influx of migrants entering the country.
Mayor Adams went on to say that the situation at the border is a national crisis that needs to be addressed immediately. He called on Biden to take decisive action and implement strong border security measures to protect the country from illegal immigration.
The mayor’s strong words on Tucker Carlson’s show have sparked a debate among politicians and citizens alike, with many questioning the Biden administration’s handling of the migrant crisis. It remains to be seen how the president will respond to Mayor Adams’ criticisms, but one thing is for sure – this issue is far from over.
Adams gets grilled about meeting with Trump, ‘He loves New York, I love New York’
Just two days before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, New York City Mayor Eric Adams met with Trump to “discuss New Yorkers’ priorities.” “I pledged allegiance to the united states of American not a political party,” Adams explained to reporters Saturday.
NEW YORK – In an interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said that the Democratic Party has abandoned him and regular, working-class people.
Adams says he is “at the end of the line”
What they’re saying:
“People often say, ‘You don’t sound like a Democrat, and you seem to have left the party’” Adams said in a preview clip posted on X. “No, the party left me, and it left working-class people.”
In the clip, Adams says that he thinks that he was punished by the Democratic Party for his outspoken position on the New York City migrant crisis, and claimed that former President Joe Biden told him to “be a good Democrat” when he asked for more federal assistance.
“We were getting Venezuealan gang leaders that were coming to the city, creating crimes,” Adams said, before adding that he is “At the end of the line.”
Adams at Trump’s inauguration, meets with Republican president
Dig deeper:
Last week, Adams defended his private meeting with President Donald Trump as the Republican prepared to retake the White House.
“I’m the mayor of the biggest city in America,” Adams added, following remarks about the city’s preparations for a weekend snowstorm. “I’m supposed to speak with the president, like I spoke with President Biden.”
Eric Adams (C), mayor of New York, attends the inauguration ceremony where Donald Trump will sworn in as the 47th US President in the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. (Photo by ALEXANDER DRAGO / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ALEXAND
Trump has criticized the federal bribery case against Adams and said he is open to giving the mayor, who had been a registered Republican in the 1990s, a pardon.
Adams also attended Trump’s inauguration on Monday and said he had instructed officials to lawfully cooperate with Trump’s agenda around immigration and other issues, while flatly refusing to criticize the president or any of his policies.
“I’m not going to be warring with the president,” Adams told reporters. “I’m going to be working with the president.”
The backstory:
Mayor Adams had repeatedly criticized the Biden administration’s response to the migrant crisis in New York City, at one point saying it would “destroy” the city.
“We’re getting no support on this national crisis,” Adams said in 2023, and railed against Biden for failing to help the city and control the border.
Crowded Democratic primary in NYC Mayoral Election
The race for New York City’s next mayor is already heating up, with eight Democratic candidates challenging Mayor Eric Adams in the June 2024 primary. FOX 5’s Morgan McKay takes a look at who’s preparing to challenge the Mayor.
The Source: This article using reporting from crews on the ground and information collected from previous FOX 5 NY articles.
In a recent interview, NYC Mayor Eric Adams expressed his frustration with the Democratic Party, stating that it has “left me, and it left working-class people.” Adams, a former police officer and moderate Democrat, has often found himself at odds with the more progressive wing of the party.
Adams, who was elected mayor in November 2021, has been vocal about his concerns regarding rising crime rates and the need for a balanced approach to public safety. He has criticized progressive policies such as defunding the police and has called for a more pragmatic approach to addressing the city’s challenges.
In his interview, Adams highlighted the disconnect between the Democratic Party and working-class Americans, stating that the party needs to better understand the concerns of everyday people. He emphasized the importance of addressing issues such as crime, affordable housing, and economic opportunity in order to win back the trust of working-class voters.
Adams’ comments reflect a growing frustration within the Democratic Party, as moderates and progressives continue to clash over the direction of the party. It remains to be seen how the party will respond to Adams’ criticisms and whether they will be able to bridge the divide between different factions within the party.
