“The attack on the two NYC police officers last Saturday evening and the reported release of the individuals, described as migrants, was wrong. Based on the video reported in the media, the District Attorney and Judge had the authority under existing law to detain the alleged suspects under the bail statute and that should have happened. Governor Hochul, Attorney General James, and Reverend Al Sharpton all agree on that point. 

To be clear, those who assault a police officer can and should be held accountable, regardless of immigration status. But because those involved were migrants, some are trying to blame our broken immigration system on state law. Nothing can be further from the truth. The immigration crisis challenges red and blue states alike. Both parties bear responsibility for our broken immigration system – which has been broken for decades- and both parties have an obligation to work together to fix it. We must create a fair system that allows us to welcome new immigrants into our country who can then go on to become taxpaying employees contributing to the richness and diversity of our great country.

As both issues continue to play out in the coming days, weeks, and months please do not take your eye off the ball on the issues at hand.  First and foremost, assault on law enforcement is a bail-eligible offense, and those elected officials who can impose bail need to uphold their responsibilities.  Secondly, encourage your members of Congress to work to pass meaningful immigration reform.  Our country needs it now just as we have in the past.”