Mullin Criticizes NYC Mayor's Anti-ICE Rhetoric as 'Dangerous' After Shooting Incident

Department of Homeland Security Press Secretary Markwayne Mullin on Friday denounced New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as "dangerous" and "hostile." Mamdani's comments followed an incident in which ICE agents opened fire and shot an individual in the city.

Mamdani stated Thursday that ICE "has killed far more of our neighbors than they could ever have claimed to save," and reiterated his call for the agency's abolition. Mullin, speaking at a press conference, questioned the implications of such a move.

"His words are dangerous and incite hostility," Mullin said. "Well mayor, if you abolish ICE, who's going to take criminals off the streets of your own town?"

According to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Executive Associate Director Marcos Charles, the individual shot by ICE on Thursday, identified as Oscar Belgal, refused lawful orders to exit his vehicle. Charles stated that Belgal then accelerated his vehicle, crashing into two ICE vehicles before accelerating toward officers.

Mullin added that authorities were unaware of a child being present in Belgal's vehicle at the time of the incident, but emphasized that "Oscar knew he had a child in his car."