Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier criticized the NYPD's actions during a protest following an ICE agent-involved shooting in Manhattan. She called for the abolition of ICE and expressed concern over the police's handling of the situation and the subsequent disappearance of the man who was shot.
The incident and subsequent protests highlight ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local sanctuary policies in New York City, raising questions about police conduct, civil liberties, and the role of ICE.
Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier has voiced strong criticism of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the New York Police Department's (NYPD) conduct following an incident where an ICE agent shot and wounded a man in Manhattan. Avila Chevalier believes the NYPD's actions during a subsequent protest violated the city's sanctuary laws.
The incident occurred when an ICE agent shot Oscar Belgal, a 28-year-old Dominican man, who was in his car with a five-year-old child. The child was unharmed, and Belgal was hospitalized before reportedly being taken back into ICE custody. The Department of Homeland Security stated Belgal was undocumented.
During a protest attended by Avila Chevalier and several hundred New Yorkers, the NYPD set up barricades and engaged with demonstrators. Police also assisted in moving Belgal to an unmarked car. NYC Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that the NYPD's involvement was solely for evidence preservation and mentioned Belgal's prior criminal record.
Avila Chevalier, in a phone interview, called the mention of Belgal's arrests an unfair vilification and accused Tisch of adopting a "Trump administration narrative." She also criticized the NYPD's "inaction" in protecting protesters, suggesting they prioritized the ICE agent over New Yorkers. Avila Chevalier advocates for the abolition of ICE, stating, "We wouldn’t need sanctuary policies if ICE didn’t exist."
Mayor Zohran Mamdani echoed calls to abolish ICE and labeled the shooting "unconscionable." He faces pressure from progressives regarding NYPD reforms, including disbanding the Strategic Response Group (SRG). While Mamdani has promised to disband the SRG, he has indicated Tisch will remain police commissioner. Avila Chevalier acknowledged differences with the mayor but emphasized her duty to represent her constituents' demands.
Avila Chevalier also recounted being knocked to the ground by an NYPD officer during the protest, stating she felt a hand grab and throw her. She was attempting to de-escalate the situation by questioning the need for barricades. The NYPD reported arresting five protesters for allegedly agitating and refusing to disperse, and stated Avila Chevalier was pushed back to prevent the crowd from trampling a captain.
Avila Chevalier expressed deep concern that Belgal's lawyers had been unable to locate him. She noted that despite being a longtime organizer, she was unaccustomed to this level of police aggression, reaffirming her belief in the power of protest and community demands.
Pick the topics you care about. Get only what matters, on your cadence.