Brooklyn’s ‘Undocumented Attorney’ calls for more Mexican representation in NYPD

Vargas hosts "Drink a Jarrito with a Mexican NYPD Officer" event

September 10, 2018 By Rob Abruzzese, Legal Editor Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Cesar Vargas, pictured second from the right holding a Jarrito, hosted an event that celebrated Mexican-American heritage in Bushwick on Sunday. At the event, he also highlighted the lack of representation among Mexican-Americans in the NYPD. Photos courtesy of Cesar Vargas.

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Cesar Vargas, the man known as New York State’s first openly undocumented attorney, held an event called, “Drink a Jarrito with an NYPD Mexican Officer” at Maria Hernandez Park in Bushwick on Sunday.

The event gave Vargas and the Dream Action Coalition an opportunity to celebrate Mexican culture and to help to highlight the lack of representation of Mexican-Americans in the NYPD.

“Despite the rain, there was Mariachis, Piñatas, Flautas and Jarritos,” Vargas said.

“Mexicans are the third largest Latinx group in New York City but make less than one percent of officer in the NYPD,” Vargas continued. “The NYPD can do better than this. Most importantly, we are working together to ensure our police officers work alongside our communities to make New York City a welcoming city to all New Yorkers regardless of their immigration status.”

There are 2.9 million immigrants living in New York City which makes up approximately 36 percent of the city’s population, according to census data. Currently, 28 percent of the NYPD are officers of Hispanic origin, however, Mexican-Americans make up just one percent of the department, according to Vargas.

“At a time when immigrant communities lack trust in law enforcement at the federal level, the New York City Police Department must do its part to encourage, hire and promote New Yorkers of Mexican descent to join the force in order to reflect the community it protects,” Vargas said.

City Councilmember Carlos Menchaca was also present at Sunday’s rainy event.

“As the first Mexican-American councilman elected in New York City, I find great pride to see Mexican representation within the NYPD,” Menchaca said. “I will continue to support our men and women who keep us safe each day and ensure we can increase representation at all levels of the police department.”