Jumaane Williams To Fight Charges After Arrest At Protest

NEW YORK, NY — City Councilman Jumaane Williams on Tuesday said he'll fight low-level charges stemming from his arrest at a January protest supporting immigrant-rights activist Ravi Ragbir. The Flatbush Democrat pleaded not guilty to obstructing emergency medical services and disorderly conduct at his Manhattan court appearance Tuesday.

Williams was among 18 people arrested at the chaotic Jan. 11 rally that erupted after immigration authorities arrested Ragbir inside the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building.

Williams, who is running for lieutenant governor, rejected prosecutors' offer that he plead guilty to disorderly conduct with a sentence of the time he already served in jail, a spokesman for the Manhattan District Attorney's Office said. The councilman said he plans to use his case as a platform to discuss immigration issues. He's due back in court May 8.

"Those of us with a public position and voice have a moral obligation to defend communities who are disadvantaged and attacked," Williams said in a statement. "My legal process will take place out in the open, a right that is often denied to immigrants who face immoral deportations."

Williams is the only protester to fight his charges. Sixteen others had their cases adjourned Tuesday with the possibility that they'll be dismissed in September. City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez (D-Inwood), the 18th person arrested, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct last month.

Hundreds of protesters surrounded the Manhattan federal building two months ago after Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Ragbir, the executive director of the New Sanctuary Coalition of New York City, at a routine check-in with plans to deport him to Trinidad and Tobago.

Williams and others tried to block an ambulance that eventually carried Ragbir away after he fainted inside. A federal judge later freed Ragbir from ICE custody. His deportation is on hold as lawsuits on his behalf wend their way through federal courts.

Ragbir accompanied Williams and the other protesters to court on Tuesday. One of Ragbir's lawyers, Rhiya Trivedi, spoke on the protesters' behalf during the appearance, Williams' office said.

"They were there because they didn’t want to see me deported," Ragbir said, according to the New York Daily News. "I have to reciprocate."

(Lead image: City Councilman Jumaane Williams speaks to reporters Tuesday after his Manhattan court appearance, flanked by immigrant-rights activist Ravi Ragbir. Photo by Kevin Fagan/Councilman Jumaane Williams)