A New York City man who was branded a shoplifter and migrant while roughed up by members of the Guardian Angels on live television last month has announced his intent to file a civil lawsuit against the anti-crime organization.

Im not afraid anymore, Marco Pia, 22, said at a press conference Tuesday, according to The New York Daily News . His first public comments followed him giving an interview with the Manhattan District Attorneys Office for possible criminal charges, according to Pix11 News .

Pia said he migrated to the U.S. from Mexico as a toddler 20 years ago and has only ever known New York City as his home. He has also never broken the law, he added, contrary to what was allegedly said against him by the groups founder, Curtis Sliwa , on national television.