NYC Mayor Criticizes Homeland Security Secretary Over ICE Shooting Response
Zohran Mamdani accuses Markwayne Mullin of treating the law as a suggestion following the shooting of Oscar Belgal in the Bronx.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has sharply criticized Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin for his response to the recent shooting of Oscar Belgal by federal immigration agents in the Bronx. Mamdani stated that the actions and statements from Mullin's department indicate they "view the law as a suggestion."
The incident occurred when plainclothes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents approached Belgal, 28, with guns drawn while he was driving a car with his 5-year-old son. Surveillance footage showed some agents were masked, and one unmasked agent was seen in a construction vest holding a rifle. The New York Police Department (NYPD) was not present at the time of the shooting.
Video released by the NYPD shows the aftermath, with Belgal wounded on the street. His son, who was in the backseat, was unharmed but reportedly traumatized. Mamdani expressed concern about the appearance of the federal agents, noting that their conduct resembled that of a "mass shooter" rather than representatives of a federal agency, especially given the lack of clear identification and the presence of masks.
ICE and Mullin have maintained that Belgal was a criminal who endangered agents by weaponizing his vehicle. Mullin stated on CBS's "Face the Nation" that he, as a father, would never put his children in danger, implying Belgal did so. However, Mamdani countered that ICE's narrative is used to justify the attack and often falls apart under scrutiny.
Mamdani also revealed he spoke with both Mullin and President Donald Trump about the incident. He conveyed his concerns that ICE's presence makes the city less safe, but felt that these issues were not a priority for the secretary. The mayor believes ICE agents often view individuals as inherently criminal based on their appearance, origin, or language, which he stated is contrary to New York City's values.
According to reports, at least one ICE agent fired seven shots, hitting Belgal once in the neck. Belgal remains in federal custody with the bullet still in his body, experiencing pain. His attorney is seeking his release.
Mamdani has attempted to negotiate Belgal's release and transfer the case to the NYPD, but has been unsuccessful. He reported that Mullin and Trump indicated they would only consider releasing Belgal if he were detained by the NYPD, a condition Mamdani opposed, citing the lack of an existing warrant for Belgal in New York City.