Wrongful Arrest of Chilean Woman in Times Square Sparks Outrage

In a jarring incident caught on video, Javiera Montero, a Chilean woman legally residing in the United States, was wrongfully arrested in New York City's Times Square. The incident unfolded on May 28, 2025, when Montero and her 12-year-old daughter were unexpectedly knocked to the ground by individuals fleeing from police. In a desperate attempt to seek help, Montero approached officers, only to find herself mistakenly apprehended. "Por favor, por favor!" Montero pleaded with the officers, as seen in the video. The video, which quickly went viral on social media, shows Montero being handcuffed and led away by NYPD officers. Montero was detained for six hours, and her husband was not notified of her arrest until late that night. She has since announced her intention to take legal action against the NYPD, describing the arrest as 'arbitrary and negligent.' The incident highlights concerns about potential biases in policing and the need for accountability. Montero's story underscores the emotional distress experienced by individuals facing wrongful arrest and the importance of due process.