New York City, NY – An independent journalist operating under the moniker "Viral News NYC" has publicly appealed to Thomas Homan, the incoming federal Border Czar, and Kaz Daughtry, New York City's Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, for assistance in reporting on local gang activities. In a tweet posted on July 30, 2025, "Viral News NYC" stated, > "Hi @RealTomHoman you should give @kazdaughtry a call and tell him to give me a radio so I can continue to show the truth about these gangs so that we can show why @ICEgov is in town. This issue is affecting all of us." The direct appeal highlights a desire for official support to expose gang realities and connect them to the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the city.
Thomas Homan, a former acting director of ICE, is set to assume the role of "border czar" in the incoming Trump administration, with a mandate to oversee border security and lead mass deportation efforts. His appointment signals a renewed federal focus on aggressive immigration enforcement nationwide. Homan has previously been a vocal proponent of stringent measures to control the U.S. border and address undocumented immigration.
Kaz Daughtry, a veteran of the New York City Police Department (NYPD), was recently appointed Deputy Mayor for Public Safety by Mayor Eric Adams. In this capacity, Daughtry has been actively involved in coordinating with federal authorities on immigration enforcement matters. Recent reports indicate his role in facilitating ICE operations within New York City, including discussions with federal officials like Homan and efforts to grant ICE access to facilities like Rikers Island.
ICE, particularly its Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) divisions, maintains an active presence in New York City, conducting targeted operations against various criminal organizations. These operations often focus on transnational gangs such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, frequently in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies like the NYPD. Federal authorities utilize intelligence, including gang databases, to identify and apprehend suspected gang members, emphasizing the link between gang activity and public safety.
"Viral News NYC" operates as an independent photographer and journalist, frequently documenting breaking news and public safety issues across New York City through social media platforms. Their content often highlights crime, the migrant crisis, and public order concerns, aiming to provide unfiltered observations. The tweet underscores a perceived need for direct official channels and resources to effectively report on the complex interplay between local gang issues and federal immigration enforcement actions, asserting that the problem impacts the entire community.