NEW YORK ( CNN ) -- Many Latinos say they know how Harvard University professor Henry Louis Gates felt during a recent arrest because they believe police often racially profile Hispanics , too . Gates , a noted African-American scholar , has said he was arrested at his home in large part because of his race . Police say he became disorderly when asked for identification after a report of a possible break-in . `` Professor Gates ' case resonates with us because he is a prominent academic at a very prominent institution , but it is a reality that occurs on these streets every day , '' said Vicente Alba-Panama of the National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights . Latinos are affected the same way that African-Americans are , Alba-Panama said . `` In this country , when you talk about racial or ethnic problems it is always discussed in terms of black and white and other communities are excluded , such as the Latino community , '' he said . A 2004 Gallup Poll found that 67 percent of African-Americans and 63 percent of Latinos believe they are the victims of police discrimination . Among whites that figure fell to 50 percent , according to the survey . Police say they often have to make split-second decisions while staying safe . `` First , when officers arrive , they have to think of their own safety , '' said Anthony Miranda , executive chairman of the National Latino Officers Association of America . `` Secondly , they think about public safety and from there they should make a decision . The problem is that in the discussions we are having is that officials abuse their authority . '' Gates was arrested July 16 and accused of disorderly conduct after police responded to a report of a possible burglary at his Cambridge , Massachusetts , home . Gates had just returned from an overseas trip and had to force his front door open because it was jammed . A passer-by notified police of a possible break-in . Police said Gates became belligerent when asked for identification . The charge was later dropped , but the incident sparked a national debate about racial profiling and police procedures . President Obama added to the controversy last week when he said at a news conference that the Cambridge police had acted `` stupidly . '' The arrest led Cambridge officials to create a commission made up of national experts that will evaluate police practices and make recommendations to reduce improper procedures . Obama had a beer at the White House on Thursday evening with Gates and the officer who arrested him , Sgt . James Crowley , so they could discuss the issue . The two men said afterward they planned to meet again privately .
Latinos affected the same way that African-Americans are , activists say . Harvard professor 's recent arrest has sparked national debate on racial profiling . Comment: