Shocking allegations have surfaced against a major city police department, raising serious concerns about civil rights violations and systemic racism. On December 6, 2025, Shena Hickman filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Hickman accuses the NYPD of engaging in a campaign of harassment and retaliation that has threatened her safety and well-being.
According to the complaint, Hickman claims that since May 3, 2025, she has been subjected to acts of violence and terror by the NYPD as retribution for her whistleblowing activities against Meta Platforms, Inc. She alleges that these actions are racially motivated due to her being a Black woman. The complaint describes how Hickman was targeted after exposing discriminatory hiring practices at Meta Platforms’ AR/VR Reality Labs involving former employees such as Josh Higgins and Margaret McLaughlin. Hickman states that she narrowly avoided being framed for drug trafficking thanks to warnings from trusted colleagues.
Hickman’s accusations extend beyond personal attacks; she claims that the NYPD has acted on behalf of Meta Platforms and its law firm Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C., using their influence to orchestrate a smear campaign against her. This alleged campaign includes cyberattacks on her devices, public shaming, and even attempts to chemically incapacitate her through passive drug exposure. “I am being discriminated against because of my race (Black), sex (Female), and age (54) in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act,” Hickman asserts in her legal filing.
The plaintiff is seeking comprehensive relief from the court. She demands an immediate cease-and-desist order against further retaliatory actions by the NYPD and associated parties. Additionally, Hickman seeks financial compensation for defamation and personal security damages resulting from what she describes as daily victimization by criminal acts motivated by racist hate crimes. She also requests reparations for physical injuries sustained from chemical exposure during these incidents.
Hickman’s lawsuit highlights ongoing systemic issues within law enforcement agencies regarding racial discrimination and abuse of power. The case raises questions about accountability mechanisms within police departments when dealing with allegations involving high-profile corporate entities like Meta Platforms.
Representing herself pro se in this matter is Shena Hickman without any listed attorneys at this time. The case is presided over under Case ID 1:25-cv-10165-UA in front of judges yet unnamed in available documents.
Source: 125cv10165_Shena_Hickman_v_New_York_City_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
