Progressive Congressional Candidate Accuses NYPD of Aiding ICE After Bronx Shooting

Darializa Avila-Chevalier, a progressive candidate for Congress in New York, has strongly criticized the New York City Police Department (NYPD) for its actions following a shooting incident involving a federal agent in The Bronx. Avila-Chevalier accused the NYPD of protecting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials, whom she referred to as a "militia," after an ICE agent shot Oscar Belgal, a suspected migrant gang member.

In a social media post, Avila-Chevalier, who has received an endorsement from Mayor Zohran Mamdani, detailed her experience at the scene. She claimed that NYPD officers escalated violence and obstructed her attempts to de-escalate the situation. "When I was in Marble Hill last night I saw NYPD officers rapidly escalating violence," she stated. "As I was trying to de-escalate, I was shoved to the ground by an officer. I witnessed unmarked law enforcement cars hitting protestors as NYPD officers pushed people out of its path."

Avila-Chevalier also directed criticism towards NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, accusing her of violating the city's sanctuary policies. "Instead of condemning ICE’s violence, Police Commissioner Tisch attempted to justify the shooting by reading off our neighbor’s past interactions with police," Avila-Chevalier said. "The NYPD spent more time protecting a militia that just shot someone than protecting New Yorkers."

She further contended that the NYPD's actions undermined New York City's status as a sanctuary city and supported federal efforts to demonize immigrant communities. Avila-Chevalier called for the disbandment of the NYPD's Strategic Response Group (SRG) and demanded Commissioner Tisch's resignation.

The incident occurred when ICE agents encountered Belgal, a national of the Dominican Republic, who ICE stated defied orders and used his vehicle as a weapon against federal vehicles and officers. Belgal was reportedly in a car with his young son when the shooting took place. Following the shooting, Belgal was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital before being transferred to a federal immigration detention facility in New Jersey.

Mayor Mamdani, who appointed Tisch as commissioner and has the authority to remove her, has thus far not commented on Avila-Chevalier's statements or taken action regarding the SRG, a unit he had previously promised to disband during his campaign.