Hate crimes against people of Hispanic and national origin increase in Manhattan and the district prosecutor Alvin Bragg intensifies their efforts to protect the community. Reality worries: violent attacks, threats and harassment are increasingly presented in public transport and in the streets of the city, and victims often feel fear of denouncing for their immigration status or for distrust in the authorities.
“We have seen an increase in anti-Hispanic and national anti-organ hate crimes since 2024, and continue in 2025,” says Hannah Yu, head of the Manhattan hate crime unit. “These attacks not only affect direct victims; they impact the entire community. That is why we need a joint effort between the Office of Prosecutors, the Police and the community to combat hatred.”
Yu explains that his unit investigates and processes these crimes with a specialized team of prosecutors, analysts, investigators, performers and counselors. They work closely collaboration with NYPD detectives dedicated to hate crimes and with community organizations, such as Latino Justice and Hispanic Federation. “We can’t do it alone. The community is key,” he emphasizes.
Recent examples show the seriousness of the situation. On July 16, Andre Cheeves was accused of trying to hit a Hispanic man with a chain at the Fulton Street Street station, while throwing racial insults. In March, Jamile Daniel attacked a gay and Hispanic couple in Midtown, pronouncing homophobic and xenophobic comments before physically assaulting them. Both cases are being prosecuted as hate crimes by the Bragg office.
“The Office of Prosecutor Bragg took measures since 2022 to strengthen the hate crime unit,” Yu adds. “Additional financing of 1.7 million dollars a year was achieved to expand our work, offer more resources to victims and reach the community directly.”
of the Alvin Brag district prosecutor’s office in Manhattan.
Sareve Lawson, from the Community Association Unit, highlights that prevention is as important as the persecution of crimes. “We find the community where it is. We do not wait for people to come to us,” he explains. “We participate in events, fairs, schools and places of worship to inform about the services we offer, the rights of residents and how to denounce hate crimes.”
Lawson emphasizes that, since 2023, the office has worked intensely with organizations that support new New Yorkers and the Hispanic community, translating complete presentations into Spanish and creating accessible educational materials, such as cards with QR codes that help verify the authenticity of financial or legal services. “We want the community to guide us about what you need and feel safe when you approach our office,” says Lawson.
Both interviewees agree that the resources for victims are available regardless of their immigration status. “We do not ask about the documentation and does not affect the investigation or judicial action,” says Yu. The office offers help with refuge, relocation, counseling, immigration services and assistance with cell phones, all in Spanish if the victim requires it. The defenders accompany the victims during the trial and maintain contact even after the end of the process.
Yu and Lawson emphasize the importance of denouncing hate crimes. “If someone presence or is the victim of an attack, they must first be safe and then call 911 immediately. There are Spanish interpreters, and the police will collect all the necessary information to identify and arrest the perpetrator,” explains Yu. “It doesn’t matter if the victim is undocumented; it deserves the same protection of the law as any other person.”
Lawson adds that victims can go accompanied by defenders of community organizations, religious leaders or any trusted person. “We want them to know that they can report for sure. We take all incidents seriously, regardless of immigration or language status,” he says.
The Hispanic community and immigrants in Manhattan face challenges, but the office of prosecutor Bragg reinforces their commitment to security, dignity and justice. Through rigorous research, accessible resources and community alliances, they seek that all New Yorkers can live, work and move around the city without fear of hate.
If you or someone you know is a victim of a hate crime, you can communicate with the Manhattan hate crimes unit at 212-335-3100 to receive immediate assistance.
