A Brooklyn “sanctuary church” this week facilitated the release of Yohenry Brito, a 24-year-old illegal alien charged in a violent attack on New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers. The incident, which took place on January 27 outside a taxpayer-funded migrant shelter in midtown Manhattan, involved a mob of illegal aliens from Venezuela assaulting NYPD officers, as captured by surveillance and police body camera footage.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Bay Ridge posted Brito’s $15,000 bond, leading to his release from Rikers Island. This action by the church underscores the ongoing debate over sanctuary policies and their impact on public safety. “Our church is basically a sanctuary,” the Rev. Juan Ruiz stated.
‘Sanctuary’ church puts up $15K bail to free migrant accused in Times Square police beatdown https://t.co/Bv1AO2aiwz pic.twitter.com/2rLOiFibcX
— New York Post (@nypost) February 14, 2024
The attack on NYPD officers by a mob of illegal aliens is not just a local law enforcement issue but is symptomatic of a broader national crisis. The Biden administration’s open borders policies have been widely criticized for exacerbating the migration crisis, putting an undue strain on local communities and law enforcement agencies. The release of Brito, along with the immediate release of other assailants due to New York state’s bail reform law, demonstrate the challenges facing law-abiding citizens and over-extended law enforcement officers.
Progressive leftist Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, funded by billionaire George Soros, has been criticized for his handling of the case, particularly for not seeking bail for most of the illegal aliens involved in the attack. This leniency has prompted calls from Republicans in the New York State Senate for Gov. Kathy Hochul to take action against Bragg. Despite these calls, there has been no significant movement from Hochul’s office, leaving many to question the commitment of local and state officials to holding offenders accountable.
The sanctuary church’s decision to post bail for Brito, while perhaps well-intentioned, illustrates the complex interplay between immigration policies, local law enforcement, and community safety. While the church cites the politically charged context of the case, the primary concern for many is the safety of their communities and the rule of law.
As the debate over sanctuary policies and immigration reform continues, incidents like the attack on NYPD officers will remain at the forefront of public discourse.
