Community leaders, local officials and advocacy organizations expressed their concern over the alleged police brutality against Mexican restaurant owners in East Harlem.
The East Harlem Business Corporation (EHBC) held a meeting with representatives from the Manhattan borough president's office, Community Board 11, the office of Senator Jose Serrano, the Mexican Community Center (CECOMEX), the New York Civil Liberties Union, and restaurants in the area.
Business owners decried the relentless abuse at the hands of police.
"The last time that police officers were in my restaurant was June 25th. They were both inside and outside. They inspected everything, from the kitchen to the bathroom," said Adolfo Ruiz, owner of the Mi Palanque restaurant on 112th Street.
Ruiz said that police pressure his patrons to show their ID cards, even though they aren't drinking alcohol.
"There are older clients, but if they don't have an ID to show, the police assume they are under 21. It seems that Mexican restaurant owners in this neighborhood are being blacklisted," Ruiz concluded.
"The police misuse their power. They're very aggressive," said Carlos Cabrera, owner of San Francisco de Asis. "Most of the time, the same police officers show up. We don't ask who they are or what precinct they are part of. We're afraid of retaliation," added Cabrera.
Ingrid D. Sotelo, who is involved in Manhattan community affairs, assured that authorities plan to launch an investigation into precincts 23 and 25 regarding reports of harassment.
"We will follow up on these cases and will start a dialogue with the NYC Police Department to resolve the problem immediately. We will try to talk with the community as well to find out if they are also suffering from police brutality," said Sotelo.
Jose Garza, executive director of the East Harlem Business Corporation, said that many immigrants are afraid of filing complaints because of their legal status. Nevertheless, the EHBC will continue its efforts to end the alleged abuse.
Restaurant owners and merchants from the Bronx attended the meeting and also reported violence at the hands of police.
