TL;DR
A New Jersey man who earlier sued the NYPD without success has filed a new open-records lawsuit seeking documents related to the department’s so-called "mosque-raking" surveillance of Muslim communities. The filing, disclosed exclusively to WIRED, arrives as New York City’s first Muslim mayor assumes office.
What happened
A New Jersey resident who previously challenged the New York Police Department in court has launched a fresh public-records lawsuit aimed at discovering whether the NYPD’s Intelligence Division monitored him and other Muslims under a program long described as "mosque-raking." His earlier legal attempt did not obtain the answers he sought. According to reporting provided exclusively to WIRED, the new action asks the city to produce records related to alleged surveillance carried out during the Michael Bloomberg administration. The broader program targeted Muslim communities across New York City, and the plaintiff’s renewed effort comes as the city begins a new mayoral term — noted in coverage as the first led by a Muslim mayor. The story was reported by Ali Winston for WIRED and published on December 23, 2025.
Why it matters
- Raises questions about law enforcement monitoring of religious communities and the limits of domestic intelligence activity.
- Tests the city’s transparency obligations under open-records laws and could set a precedent for access to surveillance-related documents.
- Adds scrutiny to historical NYPD intelligence practices from the Bloomberg era as political leadership in the city changes.
- May influence public debate over oversight, civil liberties, and policing policies affecting minority communities.
Key facts
- A New Jersey man filed a new open-records lawsuit against New York City seeking documents tied to alleged surveillance of Muslims.
- The plaintiff previously sued the NYPD in an unsuccessful effort to determine whether he and other Muslims were monitored.
- The contested activity is associated with the NYPD’s Intelligence Division and the program widely described as "mosque-raking."
- The mosque-raking program targeted Muslim communities across New York City and dates to the Michael Bloomberg administration.
- WIRED reported the new filing exclusively; the story was published on December 23, 2025 and written by Ali Winston.
- The filing coincides with the start of the city’s first mayoral term led by a Muslim — noted in the reporting.
What to watch next
- Whether the city or NYPD produces the records sought in the open-records lawsuit — not confirmed in the source.
- Any formal response or legal defense from the NYPD or city attorneys to the newly filed request — not confirmed in the source.
- If the incoming mayor takes any public position or action regarding disclosure or review of past intelligence practices — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Open-records lawsuit: A legal action seeking access to government documents that are subject to public-records or freedom-of-information laws.
- NYPD Intelligence Division: A branch of the New York Police Department responsible for gathering and analyzing information related to public safety and security.
- Mosque-raking: A term used to describe alleged NYPD efforts to monitor Muslim communities, including mosque attendance and activities; usage and scope have been the subject of public controversy.
- Surveillance: Systematic observation or monitoring of people, places, or communications by authorities or organizations.
Reader FAQ
Who filed the new lawsuit?
A New Jersey man who previously sued the NYPD; his name is not provided in the source.
What does the lawsuit seek?
It requests public records that could show whether the NYPD’s Intelligence Division spied on him and other Muslims as part of the mosque-raking program.
Was there an earlier case?
Yes. The plaintiff previously sued the NYPD but did not obtain the information he sought, described in the source as an unsuccessful effort.
Has the NYPD responded to this new filing?
Not confirmed in the source.
ALI WINSTON SECURITY DEC 23, 2025 12:33 PM NYPD Sued Over Possible Records Collected Through Muslim Spying Program The New York Police Department's “mosque-raking” program targeted Muslim communities across NYC….
Sources
- NYPD Sued Over Possible Records Collected Through Muslim Spying Program
- Second and Final Judge Approves Settlement on NYPD …
- Rights Groups File Lawsuit Challenging NYPD's Muslim …
- Revised Settlement Enhances Protections From …
Related posts
- Apple’s Detroit App Academy Cost $20,000 a Student — Is It Worth It?
- Federal judge halts Texas app-store age-verification law before Jan. 1
- Apple to permit third-party iOS app stores and external payments in Brazil