New York Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier told Twitch streamer Hasan Piker on Saturday that the criminal record of a man wounded by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer "doesn't even matter." The comments followed a targeted operation in which Oscar Belgal, a 28-year-old Dominican Republic national, was shot by an ICE agent. The Department of Homeland Security states that Belgal is in the country illegally and refused to comply with lawful orders during the encounter. Both Piker and Chevalier disputed the emphasis placed on Belgal's criminal history by New York and federal authorities, arguing that his past offenses did not warrant the lethal response.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch provided details of the incident at a news conference near the shooting site late Thursday. She stated that Belgal pulled his vehicle forward before at least one officer fired seven rounds, striking him below his left ear. Tisch noted that Belgal had two prior arrests, including for robbery and the criminal sale of a controlled substance. The Department of Homeland Security identified a previous conviction for grand larceny, alongside arrests for assault, robbery, drug possession and weapons possession. Federal authorities further stated that he has ties to the Trinitarios street gang.
During their discussion, Piker questioned the validity of the apprehension based on the alleged criminal history. He asked what specific offenses justified the ICE action. Chevalier responded that she had reviewed Tisch's remarks to ensure accuracy but maintained that the record was irrelevant to the justification of force. She added that even if Belgal had committed violent crimes such as murder, it would not justify the shooting. Chevalier criticized Tisch for attempting to "villainize" Belgal rather than condemning the ICE agency or the shooting itself. She argued that by focusing on Belgal's background, Tisch extended that characterization to anyone in a similar position.
An NYPD spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the Police Commissioner was providing a factual update on the incident. The spokesperson stated that the NYPD always provides criminal history in incident updates when available and noted that it is a standard question from media outlets. Fox News Digital reached out to Chevalier's campaign for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
The New York State Republican Committee criticized Chevalier's comments, labeling them further proof that the Democratic Party has declined. David Laska, the NY GOP communications director, told Fox News Digital that the facts of the case are clear: an illegal immigrant and known gang member resisted arrest and was met with lawful force by ICE agents. Laska accused the Democratic Party of being extremist and anti-American, specifically citing Piker's views. He stated that Americans will remember these comments when they cast their ballots in November.