2 dragged off after trying to block ‘ICE’ ambulance
“Unfortunately, we lost a great civil rights leader,” he said.
Sgt. Jessica McRorie said “extensive video” of the incident was under review.
“At this point, it appears the police were clearing a path for an ambulance with a patient inside that was en route to a hospital,” she said. “The NYPD was attempting to clear a path for that ambulance, which was purposely and repeatedly being blocked.”
Patrick Lynch, head of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, placed the blame on the protesters.
“Unfortunately, some participants in today’s demonstration intentionally escalated an already-tense situation, placing their fellow demonstrators and the police officers on the scene at greater risk,” the union leader said. “Our elected officials should know the difference between a peaceful protest and behavior that endangers public safety.”
But City Council Speaker Corey Johnson said he and others were targeted while protesting peacefully.
“I was shoved. I was not obstructing anyone. I was not blocking anyone. I was not resisting anything,” he said.
A spokesman said Mayor de Blasio had been briefed on the protest and police activity.
“The area is covered extensively by cameras, and we’ll be reviewing the footage to get to the bottom of what happened,” the spokesman said.
Ragbir is executive director of the New Sanctuary Coalition of New York City. He was granted permanent residency in 1994, but it was revoked after he was convicted of wire fraud in 2000. He served a 30-month prison term but later asked the court to revise the original judgment, citing faulty jury instructions and poor legal representation.
Ragbir says he was a low-level employee at a now-defunct mortgage broker when he processed applications by a real estate broker that were later proven fraudulent.
His lawyers argued his jury was unfairly allowed to convict him for his “willful blindness” to the fraud. Ragbir said he never received extra money tied to the applications, only his regular salary.
He also said he was advised to waive his right to a hearing on the loss amount, and it ended up being set at more than $350,000, making it an aggravated felony.
Ragbir claims the actual loss was less than $10,000, an amount that wouldn’t affect his residency status.
In a statement late Thursday, an ICE spokeswoman said Ragbir had “exhausted” his petitions and appeals and would be deported.
“(He) does not have a legal basis to remain in the U.S.,” the statement from spokeswoman Rachael Yong Yow said. “He will remain in custody pending removal to Trinidad.”
His supporters refused to give up and filed a writ of habeas corpus.
Johnson said even if Ragbir’s conviction stands as is, shouldn’t be deported over it.
“He has never been accused or participated in anything violent,” Johnson said.
“I believe, and I think the vast majority of members of this Council and this city believe, in redemption, and believe that you can commit a crime, you can serve your time and then you can be a productive member of society,” he said.
“Ravi Ragbir means everything to this city,” New Sanctuary Coalition Co-Chairwoman the Rev. Kaji Dousa said. “The fact that ICE has taken him as if his spirit, family ties, and contributions to the community mean nothing is inhumane.” he