Rally held against ‘broken windows’ policy

<p>Residents rallied in front of the Bronx County Hall of Justice Saturday to protest the "broken windows" policy, which they say puts more immigrants at risk of deportation. The theory consists of enforcing small crimes - like toll jumping and public drinking - in order to prevent people from committing more serious crimes. Former Police Commissioner William J. Bratton popularized the strategy in the mid-90s. Current Police Commissioner James O'Neill has shied away from the ...</p>

News 12 Staff

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May 7, 2017, 12:18 AM

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Updated 2,791 days ago

Rally held against ‘broken windows’ policy

Residents rallied in front of the Bronx County Hall of Justice Saturday to protest the "broken windows" policy, which they say puts more immigrants at risk of deportation.

The theory consists of enforcing small crimes - like toll jumping and public drinking - in order to prevent people from committing more serious crimes.

Former Police Commissioner William J. Bratton popularized the strategy in the mid-90s. Current Police Commissioner James O'Neill has shied away from the term, now referring to the strategy as "quality of life enforcement."

Even though Mayor Bill de Blasio says the NYPD would never turn an immigrant over to the feds if they were arrested for a minor infraction, a small crime committed by an undocumented immigrant can put them on the radar.

When an undocumented immigrant is arrested, their fingerprints are shared with the FBI and ICE.

Organizers chose to rally in front of the Bronx County Hall of Justice because they say they want to see justice prevail in what has been deemed a "sanctuary city."

The nonprofit group New York Communities for Change says it will keep fighting for change to the policy.