New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday suggested that deportation should be on the table for illegal immigrants accused of jumping two cops in the Big Apple.
Ms. Hochul, a Democrat, said she expects Manhattan prosecutors and judges to “do the right thing” regarding last weekend’s street melee that ended with five arrests.
“If someone commits a crime against a police officer in the state of New York and they’re not here legally, it’s definitely worth checking into,” she said. “These are law enforcement officers who should never under any circumstances be subjected to physical assault.”
New York City police said Saturday’s attack took place outside a migrant shelter near Times Square after two officers tried to break up a disorderly crowd.
The interaction devolved into a fistfight, and surveillance footage released by police showed the migrants kicking and punching the officers as they tried to arrest one of the men.
Migrants attacked NYPD officers this weekend
One of them already faces 2 previous charges for assault & robbery
Instead of being deported all 4 were released without bail pic.twitter.com/YElk5D1xaO
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 31, 2024
Four suspects were arrested at the scene, police said. A fifth was taken into custody Monday.
On Wednesday, authorities identified the five suspects as Kelvin Serita Arocha, 19; Darwin Andres Gomez-Izquiel, 19; Wilson Juarez, 21; Jhoan Boada, 22; and Yorman Reveron, 24.
All five suspects were charged with assault on a police officer, gang assault and disorderly conduct.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office said the five were arraigned and released from custody until their next court date.
As a sanctuary city, New York doesn’t let federal immigration authorities know about criminal defendants who are in the country illegally.
That rule doesn’t apply to those accused of committing violent felonies, such as murder, rape and robbery, according to a legal expert who spoke with the New York Post.
This expert suggested that immigration courts generally crack down on defendants who assault police officers.