NYC Council Grills Officials on Cold-Weather Deaths During Code Blue

Eighteen people died during the city's extended Code Blue emergency, raising questions about the response.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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New York City officials faced tough questions from the City Council about the city's response to its ongoing Code Blue emergency, which has resulted in 18 deaths from hypothermia in less than a month - far more than the typical 10-20 deaths seen in an average year. Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Park and other leaders were grilled for nearly six hours about the city's efforts to remove people from the streets and provide shelter during the extreme cold.

Why it matters

The high number of cold-weather deaths during this Code Blue period has raised concerns about the city's ability to effectively respond to and protect vulnerable homeless individuals during life-threatening winter conditions. The hearings highlighted challenges around involuntary removals, civil rights, and the need for more comprehensive mental health and addiction services.

The details

According to officials, 15 of the 18 deaths are directly related to hypothermia, with 8 already confirmed and 7 more highly likely. The city says it has involuntarily removed 33 people from the streets, which is far more than usual. However, officials noted they can only remove people if they are deemed a danger to themselves or others under state law. The city also placed 1,400 people into temporary shelter and added hundreds of additional beds.

  • The Code Blue emergency began in early February 2026.
  • The 18 hypothermia-related deaths occurred in less than a month.

The players

Julie Menin

New York City Council Speaker.

Molly Park

Commissioner of the New York City Department of Social Services.

Dr. Jason Graham

Chief Medical Examiner of New York City.

Joann Ariola

New York City Councilmember.

Mamdani administration

The current administration leading New York City.

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What they’re saying

“It is certainly safe to say this is going to be a year that is outside the norm, which is tragic, and I feel that every day.”

— Molly Park, Commissioner, New York City Department of Social Services (CBS News)

“We believe 15 of the 18 are directly hypothermia related. Eight have already been confirmed, seven high likelihood that hypothermia played a role.”

— Dr. Jason Graham, Chief Medical Examiner, New York City (CBS News)

“But is it humane to leave them outside?”

— Julie Menin, New York City Council Speaker (CBS News)

“This is a very challenging situation. These are adults with agency and civil rights. So if somebody does not meet that that test that is codified in state law, we do not have the right to bring them inside.”

— Molly Park, Commissioner, New York City Department of Social Services (CBS News)

“I think when it's Code Blue and anyone who wants to be outside, I think you have to understand some type of reason why. Whether it's mental incapacity or the fact that they're drug addicted, both of those diseases need to be treated.”

— Joann Ariola, New York City Councilmember (CBS News)

What’s next

The City Council is expected to continue pressing the Mamdani administration on its Code Blue response and policies around involuntary removals and mental health services for the homeless.

The takeaway

This tragic situation highlights the urgent need for the city to reevaluate its approach to protecting vulnerable homeless individuals during life-threatening winter conditions. Improving coordination, expanding mental health and addiction resources, and finding a humane balance between civil liberties and public safety will be critical going forward.