Zehran Mamdani, the Mayor of New York, has asked President Donald Trump to halt the operations of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the city following a shooting that injured one person. Mamdani described the incident in a statement released on Thursday as an "unacceptable and very serious situation" and stated: "I have spoken with the President and during my conversation, I will ask him to stop all ICE enforcement actions in our city. I cannot remain indifferent while ICE agents are terrorizing our community.
Details of the Shooting in Marble Hill
New York police reported that around 4 PM, federal agents were involved in a shooting in the residential area of Marble Hill in New York, resulting in one man being injured. The police statement indicated that the shooting victim is conscious and receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital.
Read more: Man shot by ICE agent in New York
Mamdani stated at a press conference held before a crowd of protesters that after a two-hour conversation with Trump and Homeland Security Secretary, Mark-Win Malin, he was unable to negotiate for the release of the shooting victim. This incident tests Mamdani's friendly relations with the President, while Trump appears to remain committed to his immigration policies.
Reactions to the Shooting and Criticism
Mamdani, who is strongly opposed to ICE operations, addressed criticisms of the agency, stating that ICE undermines public safety. He also emphasized: "I have directly stated that ICE undermines public safety, both to the President and to the general public.
Meanwhile, Kathy Hochul, the Governor of New York, also reacted strongly to the shooting, stating that she too has spoken with Trump and Malin. Hochul said: "New Yorkers have witnessed many violent acts by a lawless federal agency and untrained agents acting without any limitations. Federal officials must be held accountable and must do so immediately.
According to initial reports, New York police received several 911 emergency calls at around 4 PM reporting the shooting and an injured individual. According to Jesse Katis, the Commissioner of the New York City Police, federal agents were conducting a targeted enforcement operation to arrest an individual who was in a gray vehicle.
Federal officials identified the target of this operation as Oksar Belgal, 28, who was accompanied by a 5-year-old boy believed to be his child.
The shootings have raised significant concerns about public safety and this incident is considered the latest in a series of violent events involving federal immigration agents. Estimates suggest that over 20 individuals have been shot in these incidents, with at least six of them losing their lives.
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