Members of New York’s congressional delegation are asking the Justice Department to formally investigate last month’s police custody death of Eric Garner and the law enforcement strategy known as “broken windows.”

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and five other Democrats say “broken windows” disproportionately affects the black and Latino communities.

The strategy is based on the idea that fighting smaller crimes like drinking in public discourages more dangerous behavior.

An autopsy showed Garner died of a chokehold. Police suspected him of selling loose, untaxed cigarettes.

A letter sent Wednesday to Attorney General Eric Holder is signed by Jeffries and Representatives Yvette D. Clarke, Gregory Meeks, Charles Rangel, Jose Serrano and Nydia Velazquez.

The Justice Department says it is reviewing the letter. Holder said previously that the department is closely monitoring the investigation.

(AP)