NYC Mayor Mamdani Calls for ICE Abolishment After Bronx Shooting
Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated he attempted to negotiate the release of a migrant shot by ICE agents and declared the agency "rotten to the core."
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly criticized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and called for its abolishment following an incident where an ICE agent shot a migrant in the Bronx on Thursday. Mamdani stated he spent hours attempting to negotiate the release of the individual, identified by the NYPD as 28-year-old Oscar Belgal, of the Dominican Republic.
“Around 4 p.m. this afternoon, a New Yorker was shot by ICE agents in Marble Hill,” Mamdani told reporters late Thursday near the scene of a protest. “For the past two hours, I’ve been on the phone with President Trump and [DHS] Secretary Mullin negotiating the release of the man ICE agents shot. Those negotiations were unsuccessful.”
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that ICE agents were attempting to arrest Belgal, whom they claim has ties to the Trinitarios gang, when the shooting occurred. Belgal sustained a gunshot wound to the neck and was transported to NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital in stable condition, according to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. The NYPD confirmed that at least one ICE agent fired seven rounds but stated the department had no prior involvement in the federal operation.
Mamdani, addressing reporters amid chants from protesters labeling him “complicit,” described Immigration and Customs Enforcement as “rotten to its core” and an agency that “must be abolished.” He also questioned the Trump administration's stance on the matter. “What does Trump have to say about all of this?” he demanded.
“Now I made clear to the president, to the secretary, our request [is] that ICE agents leave the scene entirely — as well as the demand that ICE stop its enforcement actions in New York City,” Mamdani said. He further asserted, “ICE undermines public safety. It makes us less safe.”
Shortly before Mamdani's press conference, Belgal was taken from the hospital by ICE agents in unmarked vehicles, according to the mayor. "Let me say this plainly, what happened today was an outrage," Mamdani stated.