CAIR-NY Condemns ICE Shooting; Calls for Immediate Investigation
(NEW YORK, NY, 2/6/2020) — The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a leading Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for shooting an unarmed man in the face during an attempted arrest of another man in Brooklyn.Â
According to reports, this morning ICE agents sought to arrest a construction worker, Gaspar Avendano-Hernandez outside his home. According to one witness, ICE agents began the operation by tackling Avendano-Hernandez in front of his home and did not identify themselves as ICE agents. Eric Diaz-Cruz came to Avendano-Hernandez’s aid. Avendano-Hernandez and Diaz-Cruz were both tasered. Diaz-Cruz was also shot by one of the ICE agents in the face.
According to witnesses, the ICE agent pointed straight to the face and that Diaz-Cruz did not have a weapon. Daiz-Cruz is listed in critical but stable condition at Maimonides Hospital. Advocates are gathering outside the hospital demanding that ICE stop their efforts to deport Avendano-Hernandez. Several ICE vehicles have been spotted outside the hospital.
SEE: ICE agents, while arresting undocumented Brooklyn immigrant, wind up shooting second man in wild street brawl
In a statement, CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed said:
“ICE agents are not above the law and must be held accountable for shooting an unarmed man in the face. Immigrants seeking to provide for their families do not deserve to be terrorized. It is unconscionable that ICE is seeking to evade accountability by deporting a primary witness to their actions. The authorities must step in and investigate ICE’s conduct and ensure that Mr. Avendnao-Hernandez is not deported. No community should be forced to live in fear. CAIR-NY continues to support the rights of undocumented immigrants.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NY Litigation Director Ahmed Mohamed, ahmedmohamed@cair.com; 646-481-2103