Chevalier’s Remarks on ICE Shooting Spark Debate

New York Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier recently expressed strong views in a conversation with Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, dismissing the significance of the criminal record of Oscar Belgal, a man shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer. Belgal, a 28-year-old Dominican Republic national who the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) states is in the country illegally, was shot during a targeted operation aiming to arrest him.

DHS reported that Belgal did not comply with lawful orders during the incident. Piker and Chevalier criticized the emphasis placed by both New York and federal authorities on Belgal’s criminal history, stating that his past offenses did not justify the use of force against him.

“What is the rap sheet for this person that Jessica Tisch is alleging is this criminal, and that the ICE apprehension was valid from that perspective?” Piker questioned. Chevalier echoed his sentiments, saying, “I was just so angry as I was listening… But to me, it doesn’t even matter, right? It doesn’t even matter.”

New York authorities stated that during the confrontation, Belgal moved his vehicle forward before an officer fired seven rounds, hitting him near his left ear. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch mentioned Belgal’s two prior arrests, including one for robbery and another for the sale of a controlled substance. Additionally, DHS noted Belgal’s previous convictions for grand larceny, assault, robbery, drug possession, and weapons possession, as well as his association with the Trinitarios street gang.

Piker and Chevalier both argued that even if Belgal had committed violent crimes like murder, it wouldn’t justify the ICE officer’s actions. Chevalier also criticized Tisch for supposedly trying to “villainize” Belgal during press conferences.

An NYPD representative informed Fox News Digital that Commissioner Tisch’s role is to provide factual updates, and providing criminal histories is standard during incident briefings as media outlets frequently request this information.

The New York State Republican Committee responded critically to Chevalier’s remarks, using them as evidence of what they perceive as extreme positions within the Democratic Party. David Laska, communications director for the New York GOP, described the incident as “further proof” of the Democratic Party’s alleged radicalism.

Fox News Digital reached out to Chevalier’s campaign for a response but did not receive a comment. The network’s associate editor, Lindsay Kornick, reported this story. Story tips can be sent to her at [email protected] or on Twitter at @lmkornick.