Westchester County Boosts Security for Upcoming Religious Observances

Operation Safeguard will increase patrols around houses of worship for Ramadan, Passover, Lent, and Easter

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Law enforcement agencies in New York's Westchester and Putnam counties have announced a coordinated effort called Operation Safeguard to step up security around houses of worship and religious gatherings over the next two months as community members observe holy days during Ramadan, Passover, Lent, and Easter. The initiative will include an increased police presence and monitoring of social media and intelligence information to ensure residents can observe their traditions in peace.

Why it matters

This proactive security measure is an annual occurrence in the region to provide extra protection for religious institutions and observances, especially in light of past incidents of threats or attacks targeting houses of worship. The heightened vigilance aims to reassure the diverse faith communities in Westchester County that they can practice their beliefs safely.

The details

Operation Safeguard will be carried out by the Westchester County Police Department and law enforcement agencies within Counter-Terrorism Zone 3, which covers both Westchester and Putnam counties. In addition to increased patrols, the agencies will monitor social media and review intelligence information from federal and state sources regarding potential threats to religious institutions.

  • The security efforts will take place over the next two months as community members observe holy days during Ramadan, Passover, Lent, and Easter.

The players

Westchester County Police Department

The law enforcement agency leading Operation Safeguard and coordinating with municipal partners in the region.

Counter-Terrorism Zone 3

The multi-agency law enforcement task force covering Westchester and Putnam counties that is participating in the security initiative.

Ken Jenkins

The Westchester County Executive who stated that the extra security efforts during major religious and secular holidays are customary.

Terrance Raynor

The Westchester County Public Safety Commissioner who said there are no known specific or credible threats, but law enforcement is taking proactive measures out of an abundance of caution.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As is customary during all major religious and secular holidays, law enforcement in Westchester will be on heightened alert. We also encourage the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to their local police department.”

— Ken Jenkins, Westchester County Executive (Patch.com)

“Westchester County is proud of its diverse faith communities. We remain committed to ensuring that every resident can observe their traditions in peace and without fear.”

— Ken Jenkins, Westchester County Executive (Patch.com)

“Westchester County Police and its municipal law enforcement partners will monitor social media, and will also review intelligence information provided by federal and state agencies regarding potential threats to Westchester and its religious institutions.”

— Terrance Raynor, Westchester County Public Safety Commissioner (Patch.com)

What’s next

The heightened security measures will remain in place through the upcoming religious observances over the next two months.

The takeaway

This annual security initiative demonstrates Westchester County's commitment to protecting the diverse faith communities in the region and ensuring residents can practice their beliefs safely, even as law enforcement remains vigilant for any potential threats.