Public outrage has erupted over an ICE agent’s involvement in the shooting of Oscar Belgal, a 28-year-old man, while his 5-year-old child was in the car. The incident took place in Marble Hill, New York City. Belgal suffered a gunshot wound to the neck but his child was unharmed.
Release of Body-Camera Footage
The NYPD has released body-camera footage showing the aftermath of the shooting. Officers arrived on the scene after the incident, and were not involved in the shooting itself. The video captures pedestrians discussing ICE agents’ involvement. Officers quickly placed Belgal in a police vehicle and transported him to a hospital.
“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 Response and Details of the Incident
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the agent’s actions. DHS representatives accused Belgal of non-compliance with ICE officers’ lawful orders. They claimed Belgal attempted to escape, damaging ICE vehicles and endangering officers by driving toward them.
New York City’s Mayor Zohran Mamdani engaged in unsuccessful negotiations with President Trump and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin concerning Belgal’s release. Mullin indicated a willingness to release Belgal to the NYPD if they pursued charges, but the mayor declined.
Representative Adriano Espaillat, after speaking with Belgal’s family, reported that they were deeply shaken, though the child was in good spirits.
Background on Oscar Belgal
DHS identified Belgal as being in the U.S. illegally and the target of enforcement due to alleged gang associations and a history of criminal activity. He faced prior arrests related to larceny, assault, robbery, and weapons possession. Recently, he had been released under supervision after a 2025 arrest for selling illegal drugs in Manhattan.
Reactions and Protests
Belgal’s shooting sparked immediate criticism and protests. Calls for ICE’s abolition were renewed by various officials, including Mamdani, who stated, “New York City will not stand by while ICE agents shoot New Yorkers.” During the protests, five individuals were detained. Belgal has since been moved to a detention facility outside New York state.
The story highlights ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement actions within urban areas and the complex interaction between city and federal authorities.