LOWER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11) -- The NYPD is searching for two suspects following an alleged hate crime assault that happened in the early morning hours of Sept. 8 on the Lower East Side.

The incident happened around 3:15 a.m. in front of 177 East Houston Street.

Police say words were exchanged between two men and a 26-year-old man before things became physical.

Sources say at one point, the men, speaking in Spanish, allegedly said, "What are you doing here, immigrant?" The victim was then slashed in the arm with a knife.

Sources say the victim had no idea he was slashed until he saw the blood.

People who live and work in the neighborhood say it is not uncommon to see fights in the area, but to hear that hate was the motivation is very concerning.

So far this year, police have r

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