(NewsNation) — Several migrants were arrested and then released from jail after allegedly beating up two police officers in Times Square.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., says it’s concerning that New York City’s sanctuary policy protects migrants who commit crime and prohibits the NYPD from cooperating with immigration officials.
Malliotakis spoke with NewsNation’s Leland Vittert about how current policies don’t secure the border and how legislation that would create new penalties or stronger penalties isn’t being passed.
“I’m calling on ICE to deport these individuals. The problem is they got to do it on their own,” Malliotakis during an appearance Thursday night on NewsNation’s “On Balance.” “They can’t get any cooperation whatsoever from the NYPD.”
Authorities are investigating the attack that happened over the weekend near Times Square.
Police had been trying to move an unruly crowd outside the Chandler Building when, according to an NYPD spokesperson, one person became confrontational.
Security footage shows NYPD officers struggling to keep ahold of someone in a yellow shirt. They then hit the ground, and the other men pile on top of them, raining down blows and kicks.
Four men were arrested and charged Saturday with assault of a police officer, gang assault obstruction, obstructing government administration and disorderly conduct. A fifth man was charged Monday with attempted assault on a police officer and gang assault.
All five were released without bail, prompting criticism of New York’s bail laws. Law enforcement is still searching for seven others in connection to the attack.
The NYPD officers only suffered minor injuries, including general body pains and one with a laceration to the nose. They were treated on the scene.
NewsNation’s Caitlyn Becker contributed to this report.