US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on Friday criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani over the city’s sanctuary policies following a shooting involving an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer that left a 28-year-old immigrant wounded.

The incident took place Thursday when an ICE officer shot Oscar Belgal, a Dominican Republic national, in the neck while he was driving with a 5-year-old child in the vehicle. Belgal was taken to a nearby hospital, while the child was unharmed and remained with a family member, according to information provided by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Speaking at a news conference with ICE officials, Mullin defended the federal government’s immigration enforcement policies and accused Mamdani of using political rhetoric that could increase hostility toward federal officers.

"I am speaking facts; the mayor speaks with political tone,” Mullin said. “His words are dangerous and incite hostility; it doesn’t help."

Mullin argued that sanctuary policies undermine public safety by limiting cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration officials.

“I want to make it very clear: sanctuary politicians, they create an environment for criminal activity to thrive, not for the American citizens to be safe,” he said.

“If you actually want justice, you should want justice for actually everyone,” Mullin added. “It's shameful that you have a mayor that goes out there and puts criminals over law-abiding citizens.”

‘Incredibly serious situation,’ says Mayor Mamdani

Mullin said he spoke with Mamdani several times Thursday night about Belgal, alleging that the mayor wanted federal authorities to release the man without ensuring he remained in custody.

According to Mullin, President Donald Trump intervened and indicated that Belgal could be transferred to the New York Police Department if local authorities are willing to pursue charges against him.

“If sanctuary politicians refuse to take care of their own streets, President Trump has made it very clear we will,” Mullin said. “This individual is a threat to our community.”

Mamdani condemned the shooting on Thursday and called for an end to ICE enforcement operations in New York City.

“This is an unconscionable and incredibly serious situation,” the mayor said.

He added that he planned to speak with Trump and demand that the administration end federal immigration enforcement actions in the city.

“I will not stand by while ICE agents terrorize our communities,” Mamdani said.

Since the start of US President Trump’s second term, ICE has expanded and stepped up its enforcement operations, including a number of incidents with casualties, drawing criticism from Democrats and some local leaders.

The Trump administration says it is targeting illegal immigrants who have broken the law, arguing they constitute a threat to law and order. (AA)