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Bias Crimes Concern Police, Politicians

September 5, 2009

Espada and Castro

State Senator Pedro Espada, Assemblyman Nelson Castro, and others, held a press conference on Walton Avenue at East 182nd Street on Sept. 2, to bring attention to a spate of vicious assaults in the neighborhood.

Police say a group of men of Dominican origin have been deliberately targeting Mexican immigrants. On Saturday, Aug. 29, the group allegedly shouted anti-Mexican slurs at two men before attacking them. Another man was assaulted that Sunday in similar circumstances, and another on Monday. At least one of the victims was stabbed. So far, only one arrest has been made. 

“Obviously these are hate crimes we are dealing with,” said Espada, the Senate’s majority leader. “There is a tidal wave of hate crime against immigrants in the Bronx, in New York City, in New York State, and throughout this country.”

He said he’s offering a $1,000 reward – “my personal money” – to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved.  He also talked about setting up a “task force” involving clergy, community leaders, youth, and police, to help correct the perception some people have of immigrants.

“Our Mexican brothers and sisters have earned the right to be respected and to be protected in their homes and in their community,” added Rev. Katrina Foster, pastor of nearby Fordham Evangelical Lutheran Church. “They have come here to contribute and not to take away.”

Angelo Cabrera of the Mexican-American Students Alliance (MASA) said people shouldn’t be afraid of reporting crimes to the police, even if those involved are undocumented.

By JAMES FERGUSSON

 

Written by admin · Filed Under Crime Watch, Latest 

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