‘Deeply concerning’: Democratic congressional candidate rebukes ICE’s presence in New York
Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier criticized the NYPD's actions following an ICE agent shooting Oscar Belgal in Marble Hill, Manhattan. Belgal, a Dominican man with a five-year-old in his car, was shot and wounded by an ICE agent before being taken into custody by ICE. Chevalier argued that the NYPD's conduct, including barricading protesters and mentioning Belgal's criminal record, violated the spirit of New York City's sanctuary laws. She also stated that police inaction in protecting protesters was a failure to uphold these laws. Chevalier, who was reportedly knocked to the ground by an officer during a protest, called for the abolition of ICE. The NYPD stated officers were present to preserve evidence and that they routinely provide information about individuals' criminal histories.