Socialists Demand Mayor Fire NYPD Commissioner Over ICE Shooting
The Democratic Socialists of America are calling for the dismissal of Commissioner Jessica Tisch and the disbandment of elite NYPD units following a controversial ICE operation.
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have demanded that Mayor Zohran Mamdani dismiss NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch and drive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) out of New York City. The calls come in the wake of a controversial shooting incident involving ICE agents in the Bronx.
In a public statement, the DSA urged Mayor Mamdani to fire Tisch and also called for the disbandment of two elite NYPD units: the police strategic response and community response teams. The organization voiced strong disapproval after federal immigration agents surrounded Oscar Belgal, identified as a reputed member of the Trinitarios street gang, in Marble Hill. During the operation, ICE agents fired shots into Belgal's vehicle, striking him in the neck while his 5-year-old son was in the back seat.
Commissioner Tisch stated after the incident that the NYPD was not involved in the ICE operation. However, she noted that Belgal had a criminal history that included charges for robbery and drug distribution. The DSA, through its Congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier, accused Tisch of protecting what they described as a "militia" of armed ICE agents. Chevalier also suggested that Belgal's criminal record was irrelevant and accused the NYPD of demonizing the Dominican immigrant.
Mayor Mamdani, speaking on MS Now, addressed Avila Chevalier's comments but indicated no change in his stance on keeping Tisch in her position. He confirmed that the NYPD was not present when ICE discharged their weapons but arrived at the scene afterward to transport Belgal to a hospital. Mamdani pledged to conduct a review of the entire 24-hour period surrounding the incident, including the police department's response and the protests that followed.
Mamdani had previously told The New York Times that there were no plans to alter NYPD leadership. He reiterated his commitment to a thorough review of the events, stating, "every action the city can take to protect New Yorkers from ICE’s terror."