Democratic Socialists of America Demand New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani Fire Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch
The Democratic Socialists of America are demanding that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani fire NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch following a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shooting in the city last Thursday. The DSA called out Mamdani, who is a member of the group, in a Saturday post on X, demanding that the mayor use every available power to drive ICE out of New York City and abolish the department’s Strategic Response Group and Community Response Team, according to turnto10.com.
Federal Immigration Operation Leaves 28-Year-Old Hospitalized
An ICE officer shot Oscar Belgal, a 28-year-old Dominican Republic native and alleged gang member, during an afternoon enforcement attempt in New York City last Thursday. Belgal was struck in the neck while his 5-year-old son sat unharmed inside the car. Department of Homeland Security officials stated the shooting took place while agents tried to arrest Belgal for alleged ties to the Trinitarios gang. Unmarked ICE vehicles subsequently transported Belgal from NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital into federal custody after initial medical treatment.
NYPD Denies Prior Knowledge of the Federal Enforcement Action
New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated at a press conference following the shooting that local officers had no involvement in the federal operation before the gunfire erupted. The NYPD previously told the New York Post that Belgal’s criminal record includes a 2023 grand larceny guilty plea resulting in five years of probation, alongside a pending drug sale charge from last year. On Friday, DSA member and congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier accused Tisch of protecting an ICE militia and called for her resignation during an interview with streamer Hasan Piker, asserting that Belgal’s criminal history does not matter.
Mayor Mamdani Resists Resignation Demands While Ordering Review
Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated during an MS NOW appearance on Sunday that he does not plan to remove Commissioner Tisch despite pressure from his own political organization. Mamdani confirmed that local officers arrived after receiving a 911 call to assist and transport Belgal to the hospital, emphasizing that local police were not present when ICE fired at the vehicle. The mayor announced plans to review the entire 24-hour period surrounding the shooting, the police response, and subsequent protests. While noting that the Strategic Response Group was not deployed to the incident, Mamdani reiterated his intention to disband the specialized unit.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New York City ICE Shooting
What injuries were reported from the ICE shooting in New York City?
Oscar Belgal, a 28-year-old from the Dominican Republic, suffered a gunshot wound to the neck during the federal enforcement action. Department of Homeland Security records confirm that his 5-year-old son was inside the vehicle at the time of the shooting but remained physically unharmed.
How did local police respond to the incident?
According to Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the NYPD had no prior involvement in the federal operation. Local officers responded to subsequent 911 calls, transported Belgal to NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital, and are currently reviewing the 24-hour response period alongside Mayor Mamdani.
What specific changes are activists demanding from city leadership?
The Democratic Socialists of America and congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier demanded the termination or resignation of NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Activists also called on Mayor Mamdani to banish ICE operations from the city and abolish the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group and Community Response Team.
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