NYC Socialist Candidate Says Criminal Record of Man Shot by ICE ‘Doesn’t Even Matter’

New York Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier told Twitch streamer Hasan Piker Saturday it “doesn’t even matter” that a man wounded in a shooting by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer had a criminal record.

Chevalier’s comments came after Oscar Belgal, a 28-year-old Dominican Republic national who the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says is in the country illegally, was shot by an ICE officer during a targeted operation to arrest him.

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Piker and Chevalier took issue with both New York and federal authorities highlighting Belgal’s criminal history, arguing that his past crimes did not justify the use of force.

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According to DHS, Belgal has a prior grand larceny conviction and previous arrests for assault, robbery, drug possession and weapons possession. Federal authorities also said he has ties to the notorious Trinitarios street gang.

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Piker added that even if Belgal committed violent crimes like murder, it would not justify the ICE shooting. Chevalier also criticized Tisch for attempting to “villainize” Belgal.

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