GOP Candidate Urges Harry Styles to Tour With Accused Gang Member

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman has suggested that pop star Harry Styles should invite an undocumented immigrant, accused of gang involvement and recently shot by ICE agents, to join him on tour. Blakeman's comments came after Styles expressed solidarity with the individual, identified as Oscar Belgal, during a recent concert in New York.

"I think Harry Styles should put that guy on his tour bus and tour around the country with this guy, who is a convicted criminal," Blakeman stated during a television appearance. He further questioned Styles' support for Belgal, alleging the individual is involved in drug dealing and has ties to the Trinitarios street gang.

Belgal, 28, was shot in the neck by ICE officers on a Thursday as he reportedly attempted to evade arrest. Authorities believe he entered the U.S. illegally around 2022. He has admitted to an armed robbery in 2023 and was later accused of dealing fentanyl and heroin. Neighbors have also described him as a threatening figure, with one alleging he once brandished a machete.

Despite this history, politicians, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, have called for the abolition of ICE and voiced support for Belgal's release. Styles echoed similar sentiments at Madison Square Garden, telling the audience, "The people who don’t look like you and aren’t born where you’re from, they deserve respect, and love, and dignity, and justice."

Blakeman, however, criticized this stance, stating, "This is who he sticks up for, rather than federal agents who just want to do their job?"

![Nassau County Executive and 2026 candidate for New York State Governor Bruce Blakeman has a strong message for Harry Styles.]( "Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman speaks behind a podium surrounded by supporters and campaign signs reading "Bruce Blakeman for Governor."")