Two New York police officers have been attacked by a group of migrants in Time Square amid escalating violence on the city's streets.
Officers intervened when a vicious altercation broke out but were assaulted by the four migrants, who were arrested later that evening.
Darwin Andres Gomez Izquiel, Kelvin Servat Arocha, Juarez Wilson, and Yorman Reveron were all released without bail.
The suspects, aged between 19 and 24, were charged with Assault on a Police Officer, Gang Assault, Obstructing Governmental Administration, and Disorderly Conduct.
Two New York police officers were attacked
NYPD/ X
The decision to release the suspects has sparked criticism of New York's lenient bail laws.
Some argue that the laws encourages repeat offenders.
New York's bail laws aim to stop indigent offenders languishing in prison.
It was also revealed that one of the migrants - Reveron - has previous charges pending in New York state.
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The pending charges include assault and robbery in Manhattan.
Many are now calling for harsher enforcement and accountability following the New York assault which left one officer with facial cuts and the other with bruises.
Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said: "Attacks on police officers are becoming an epidemic, and the reason is a revolving door we're seeing in cases like this one.
"It is impossible for police officers to deal effectively with crime and disorder if the justice system can't or won't protect us while we do that work."
Many are now calling for harsher enforcement and accountability
NYPD/ X
New York is already facing growing pressures over a huge influx of migrants into the city.
It comes as more than 100,000 migrants arrived in 2023.
Mayor, Eric Adams has been calling on the Biden administration for assistance in tackling the migrant crisis.