Droves of immigration rights advocates poured into a Manhattan court room Tuesday for the bail hearing of a man charged in an attack against NYPD officers in Times Square.
Police say Yohenry Brito instigated a brawl that led to punches and kicks being thrown at NYPD officers, but advocates say the
paints a different picture.
“People are angry and they’re looking for someone to blame it on,” Sergio Uzurin said.
Uzurin, who is part of an ICE watchdog group, says the city is looking for a scapegoat.
Brito, a migrant, charged with assault, had posted $15,000 cash bail, but it was reinstated Friday. Brito was taken back into custody. His short time in the country and lack of community ties has prompted the court to investigate the source of the funds.
“I can’t comment on the specifics of the case other than that it was a bail fund,” Uzurin said.
A bail fund is usually created by a community organization to help low-income defendants, but in this case, it’s causing a stir.