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.

DHS said Belgal refused to comply with officers' lawful orders.

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.

MAMDANI DEMANDS TRUMP RELEASE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT SHOT BY ICE AGENT AS PROTESTS ERUPT IN THE BRONX During the encounter, Belgal pulled his vehicle forward before at least one officer fired seven rounds, striking him below his left ear, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference near the shooting site late Thursday.

Tisch also said Belgal had two prior arrests, including for robbery and the criminal sale of a controlled substance.

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.

"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 asked.

"You know, I was just so angry as I was listening to it," Chevalier said.

"I have gone back to her remarks to make sure that I was correct in our statement about it.

But to me, it doesn’t even matter, right? It doesn’t even matter." MAMDANI CALLS ICE A 'ROGUE' AGENCY AFTER NYC SHOOTING, CLAIMS AGENTS VIEW LAW AS 'MERELY A SUGGESTION' 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.

"Police Commissioner Tisch came out, and I understand that it is her role to provide more information, and that is why she comes to these press conferences.