Chevalier Opposes Deportation of Criminal Immigrants
The 13th District nominee argues that deporting non-citizens for criminal activity is a constitutional violation.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Immigration
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Should non-citizens who commit crimes in the U.S. be deported rather than just facing criminal prosecution?
Democratic nominee for New York's 13th Congressional district Darializa Avila Chevalier says immigrants who commit crimes should not be deported. She claims that deporting non-citizens for criminal behavior constitutes an unfair additional level of scrutiny based on place of birth.
Why it matters
Chevalier contends that the criminal justice system should process non-citizens and citizens identically to uphold constitutional protections. Her stance challenges standard federal deportation procedures for foreign nationals convicted of crimes.
Darializa Avila Chevalier, 32, successfully defeated incumbent Adriano Espaillat to secure the Democratic nomination for the 13th District. The district includes portions of both Upper Manhattan and The Bronx.
The players
Darializa Avila Chevalier
She is the 32-year-old Democratic nominee for New York's 13th Congressional district.
Jessica Tisch
She serves as the NYPD Commissioner and has faced calls for her resignation from Chevalier.
Oscar Belgal
The 28-year-old was involved in a shooting incident with an ICE agent in New York City.
Adriano Espaillat
He is the incumbent representative for New York's 13th Congressional district who lost the primary election to Chevalier.
The details
Chevalier outlined her position during an appearance on the Who's Running This Place podcast, where she also demanded the resignation of NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Her comments followed an incident earlier this month in which an ICE agent shot 28-year-old Oscar Belgal in New York City.
Timeline
April 2026: Darializa Avila Chevalier was handcuffed during a protest.
Earlier this month: An ICE agent shot Oscar Belgal.
October 21, 2026: Date of article publication.
Political Context
Chevalier's platform creates a direct conflict with the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act deportation provisions, which mandate removal for certain criminal convictions. Critics argue that her stance contradicts federal enforcement priorities and could undermine existing public safety protocols.
The nominee's proposal would fundamentally alter how non-citizens in New York City interact with the local and federal criminal justice system. Residents may see significant changes in how local agencies cooperate with federal immigration enforcement if her policy is implemented.
The takeaway
Chevalier's challenge to deportation standards highlights growing tensions regarding the intersection of local policing and federal immigration policy. Voters in the 13th District face a clear choice on whether to maintain existing enforcement protocols or adopt new constitutional interpretations.
Further reading
For broader context on current legislative trends, visit the New York City Immigration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mail Online.
Live Poll
Should non-citizens who commit crimes in the U.S. be deported rather than just facing criminal prosecution?
