Sixth attack against immigrants since April

By JUAN DEJESUS

Police are investigating another assault on a Hispanic man in Staten Island as a possible hate crime -- and the Mexican government is now getting involved as well.

Five men attacked the 40-year-old Mexican man Friday night as he was walking home after a soccer game at Faber Park,
cop said. The attackers allegedly pummeled him while yelling

anti-Mexican epithets. The man suffered head trauma, a fractured jaw and
needed ten stitches above his eye, officials said.

The group of men made off with his backpack.


This is at least the sixth
violent, ethnically-charged incident that has taken place in the

neighborhood since April, and community leaders are urging residents to
remain alert.

“We will act decisively in order to protect our citizens and will actively promote that those guilty of these vicious
attacks are brought to justice expeditiously. We are working
hand-in-hand with local authorities on all levels,” said Consul General
of Mexico in New York, Ruben Beltran in an email to the Staten Island Advance.

The latest victim is a construction worker who has called the United States
his home for the last five years, said Beltran. Police say they are

looking for five suspects in this latest case, which is being
investigated as a hate crime.

Beltran has asked the NYPD to
“conduct a thorough investigation” of the alleged hate-crime cases.

Beltran has offered “extensive cooperation and all the necessary support
to ensure that justice is served.”

According to the Advance, this latest incident has promoted the Mexican Consulate to post personnel in Staten Island until further notice. This move is

an effort to safeguard the rights of individuals and effectively assist
and provide information to the Mexican residents of this area.

The Guardian Angels, lead by Curtis Sliwa, have also pledged to patrol the area. Make the Road New York, a local community group that serves the communities of Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island is organizing a march that will take place on Wednesday.


Mexican officials have also
created an information line that for immigrants to contact if they are

afraid to contact authorities directly, the number is 1-800-724-7264.

Anyone with information
about the case is being asked to contact Crime Stoppers by calling

1-800-577-TIPS, by texting TIP577 to CRIMES, or by going to NYPDCrimeStoppers.com.

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/Mexican-Man-Pummeled-in-L...