New York, NY-Today, the New York Immigration Coalition stood in solidarity with organizations across New York State and the country, calling for justice for George Floyd and police accountability for the violent clashes with protestors in New York City over the past three days.
Steve Choi, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition, issued the following statement:
"The over-policing of communities of color is not accidental. Whether it's the NYPD or ICE, it's all part of a system of repression that goes back hundreds of years and is designed to intimidate and inflict brutality and cruelty - without any accountability.
“We need actions more than words from our elected officials. It’s time to dismantle these systems of oppression that focus on punishment instead of people. That's why we’re calling for these steps to start with:
- for NYC Mayor de Blasio and the Council to slash the NYPD's budget rather than cut crucial funding for human services and education;
- for NYS Attorney General James to investigate the violent and senseless attacks on protestors over the last few days;
- for NY Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Heastie to immediately reconvene the legislative session and pass Senator Bailey & Assemblyman O’Donnell’s bill to repeal 50-a, which needlessly hides the records of abusive officers.
“These steps are just the beginning, on a long road to real justice. It's time for our New York electeds to stand up for our people, stand against punitive and abusive enforcement, and rebuild police-community trust to create a stronger New York for all.”