Public anger is growing after an ICE agent shot Oscar Belgal, a 28-year-old man, in New York City’s Marble Hill. The incident took place with Belgal’s 5-year-old child present in the car. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is defending the actions of its agents.
Authorities reported that Belgal was shot in the neck by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent on Thursday afternoon. Thankfully, the child was unharmed.
NYPD Releases Footage of the Aftermath
The NYPD released body-camera footage showing the response after the shooting took place. Officers were seen arriving but not taking part in the shooting itself.
“There was nothing that was happening that would make people have to disguise themselves as construction workers, surround a man’s car with his 5-year-old son in it, coming from school at 4 o’clock in the afternoon, and shoot him in the neck in the car,” Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said.
DHS Claims Noncompliance
At a news conference, DHS justified the shooting by stating that Belgal refused to comply with lawful orders from ICE officers. According to Marcos Charles of ICE, Belgal attempted to flee by driving into government vehicles and towards officers.
Political Reactions to the Incident
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani attempted to negotiate with President Trump and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin for the release of Belgal, but was unsuccessful. Mullin said they would release Belgal into NYPD custody if desired, but the mayor refused to detain him.
Rep. Adriano Espaillat reported that he had spoken with Belgal’s frightened family and confirmed the child was in good spirits. However, tensions remain high.
Details about Belgal’s Background
Belgal, according to DHS, is in the U.S. illegally and was targeted due to prior criminal activities. He has been associated with the Trinitarios gang and holds a criminal record that includes grand larceny, assault, robbery, and possession of weapons. He was also arrested in August 2025 for distributing cocaine and fentanyl and was out on supervised release.
The shooting led to protests demanding the abolishment of ICE, with several individuals detained during the demonstrations. As of now, Belgal has been moved to a detention facility outside of New York state by the DHS.