<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/new-york-city/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New York City</a> Mayor <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/zohran-mamdani/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zohran Mamdani</a> compared a plainclothes <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/ice/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Immigration and Customs Enforcement</a> (ICE) officer who opened fire during an immigration operation to a "mass shooter" after an ICE-involved shooting in the Marble Hill neighborhood last week.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In an appearance on MS Now, Mamdani criticized immigration enforcement for treating “the law as a suggestion” following the incident. He stated, “There is a reason why law enforcement agents are supposed to wear identifiable information and uniforms,” adding that bystanders were confused about the situation, perceiving the officer as a mass shooter rather than a representative of a federal agency.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">ICE officials reported that Dominican national Oscar Belgal, 28, attempted to drive into nearby ICE officers, prompting them to respond with gunfire, resulting in a superficial neck injury from a bullet or fragment. Belgal received medical care and was then taken to a detention facility.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Mamdani mentioned that he had discussions with President <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/donald-trump/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Donald Trump</a> and <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/department-of-homeland-security/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Department of Homeland Security</a> Secretary <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/markwayne-mullin/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Markwayne Mullin</a> for nearly two hours to negotiate Belgal’s release. Following the shooting, the mayor condemned the incident on social media, describing it as “unconscionable and incredibly serious” and called for an end to ICE operations in the city, reiterating his stance on abolishing the agency.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In contrast, Mullin characterized the incident differently, noting Belgal's criminal history, which includes felony robbery, assault, larceny, and drug possession. He stated that Belgal was aware of the situation during the incident. “This guy we knew was dangerous,” Mullin told CNN, emphasizing that precautions were taken before approaching Belgal's vehicle.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Mullin criticized Mamdani for his remarks, claiming they incite violence against ICE. He stated that the mayor “speaks with political tone,” asserting that “his words are dangerous.”</p>