Jumaane Williams
0:08:06
Being labeled as a gang member by the police wrongfully or otherwise often results in increased police harassment stops and arrests.
0:08:12
This interpret interrupts schooling and employment and it can even result in incarceration.
0:08:17
It is also not the best use of police resources that could otherwise be used respond or help solve crimes.
0:08:24
Individuals are labeled as gang mums face obstacles in court as prosecutors can raise alleged dangerousness when judges set bail and claiming gang affiliations can easily color a jury's perception of the defendant.
0:08:35
It is a damaging allegation that is almost impossible for someone to refute.
0:08:39
Contact with the criminal legal system can cause a night to resident their housing, which is especially troubling giving especially troubling giving gang takeovers appear to target public housing and the surrounding communities.
0:08:51
And while we don't know if gang takedowns in New York City are led have led to deportations, the gang label presents serious and unique legal problems for non citizens.
0:09:01
With president Trump in the office and, mayor Adams collaborating with immigration enforcement at the behest of the administration, it is especially urgent to ensure that we are not enslaving people as gang members.
