Five migrants who were charged with assaulting two NYPD officers in Times Square last month have pleaded not guilty in Manhattan court. Yohenry Brito, Yorman Reveron, Kelvin Servita Arocha, Darwin Andres Gomez-Izquiel, and Wilson Juarez all entered their pleas on Friday. They have been charged with various offenses, including second-degree assault and obstructing governmental administration. Juarez also faces charges of tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution.

These individuals, some identified as members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, have been sent to Rikers Island to await trial after their arraignment. Their bails range up to $100,000, and they are due back in court on April 13. Meanwhile, there are still at least eight other suspects being sought by the police in connection with the assault.

The incident, which started with Brito resisting arrest, escalated into a violent altercation involving the migrants and the officers. Despite the ongoing investigation and additional arrests, police are continuing their efforts to locate all individuals involved in the melee.

In a related development, Mayor Eric Adams highlighted the strain on the city's resources due to the influx of migrants. In 2023 alone, New York City saw over 170,000 migrants arriving at its borders, contributing to a significant financial burden estimated at $4.6 billion. Governor Kathy Hochul has pledged $2.4 billion to address the migrant crisis, emphasizing the need for additional support from the state.

As the legal proceedings continue and investigations unfold, the community awaits further developments regarding the Times Square incident that sparked outrage across the nation.