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Know Your Rights
Source: NY1
Subject: Immigration
Type: Media Coverage

S.I. Community Holds Rally In Wake Of Bias Attacks

Staten Islanders gathered Wednesday to denounce the series of bias attacks that have gripped their community.

About 300 people marched though the streets of Port Richmond as part of a rally organized by Make the Road New York.

Participants converged near the site where Mexican immigrant Alejandro Galindo was attacked back in July.

The restaurant worker suffered serious injury to his eye and skull. He says the problem is getting out of control.

"Well, I think it’s unfortunate. When it happened to me it was horrible," Galindo said.

"He feels now a little better. But it’s very frustrating because he feels unsecurity when he goes out to walk or run in the street," said Patricia Alvarez of Make The Road New York.

Police say there have been 10 attacks against Mexicans since April, including two over the weekend.

There is now an increased police presence in the area.

Marchers say they are glad the New York City Police Department beefed up patrols and they hope these attacks will stop.

"More people scared, terrified, to go outside, they wanna walk with people because they scared they walk alone they gonna get hit," said Port Richmond resident Monica Navarro.

"Still you cannot go out that late because night is not safe," said Port Richmond resident Tomas Navarro.

Organizers say they hope the marches and the extra patrols will encourage more victims to speak up and come forward.