Political controversy ignited following an alleged assault by migrants on New York City police officers

A recent attack on police officers in Times Square, New York City, allegedly conducted by a group of migrants, has ignited a political controversy in the lead-up to the US general election. Twelve suspects are said to be involved in the attack, with six already arrested. Of those six, five have been released on bail while one remains in custody. The incident has highlighted immigration as a contentious issue ahead of the November 2024 election, as over 6.3 million migrants have illegally crossed into the US since 2021, which could impact President Joe Biden's chances of re-election. The altercation occurred on Saturday evening when three officers from the New York Police Department tried to disperse a disorderly group of men outside a migrant shelter in Midtown Manhattan. CCTV footage shows the officers being attacked when attempting to make an arrest, resulting in minor injuries. The incident has prompted demands, made by both Democrats and Republicans, for the suspects to be deported. New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, expressed support for deportation, stating that those responsible should be sent back. Assaulting a police officer is a federal crime in the US and could serve as grounds for deportation. Republican congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis criticized the actions of the suspects, noting that it was unacceptable for individuals benefitting from taxpayer-funded housing to disrespect the law and law enforcement. Republicans in New York are calling on the governor to deploy National Guard troops to the US borders with Canada and Mexico to help control the influx of migrants. The New York Police Department, along with the largest police union in the city, has expressed anger over the incident. The union president, Patrick Hendry, questioned the release of the other suspects. Currently, only one migrant, Yohenry Brito, remains in jail, facing charges of second-degree assault and obstructing governmental administration. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office stated that the rest of the suspects were released since evidence is still being gathered. According to law enforcement sources, four of the accused have apparently fled to California on a bus.