MARBLE HILL, Manhattan — An ICE agent shot a man in Marble Hill on Thursday afternoon while attempting to detain him. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. as agents targeted 28-year-old Oscar Belgal, who was inside a vehicle with his 5-year-old son in the back seat.
The Department of Homeland Security identified Belgal as an “illegal immigrant” from the Dominican Republic with a history of prior arrests. At the time of the shooting, he was linked to a broader investigation involving individuals accused of involvement in the July 2025 shooting of an off-duty customs officer at Fort Washington Park.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene following the gunfire, with many children leaving a nearby school and Belgal’s son appearing shocked in the aftermath. Residents reported hearing multiple shots, with some claiming that they counted as many as seven rounds fired by the ICE agents.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch indicated that surveillance footage captured a federal enforcement officer and a plainclothes officer approaching the driver’s side of the vehicle before it moved out of view. Authorities confirmed that at least one ICE agent fired seven rounds during the incident.
City officials stated that the child was not harmed in the shooting. Belgal was taken to a local hospital, where he is currently listed in stable condition.
The Department of Homeland Security released a statement defending the operation, asserting that ICE was conducting a targeted enforcement action to arrest a known criminal alien associated with the Trinitarios gang, which has ties to violent crimes. The agency pointed to Belgal’s criminal history, which includes convictions for grand larceny and multiple arrests for assault and drug-related offenses.
The shooting sparked protests in the area on Thursday evening, with attendees calling for greater transparency from federal authorities regarding ICE operations. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, speaking at the protests, declared that New York City would not accept ICE’s actions, labeling the agency’s methods as dangerous and counterproductive to public safety.
Governor Kathy Hochul also called for transparency from federal agencies and urged for the release of body camera footage related to the shooting. She emphasized her concern over ICE’s enforcement practices, advocating for their cessation in New York.
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams echoed these sentiments, expressing solidarity with the Marble Hill community and highlighting the ongoing fear amongst residents regarding ICE’s activities.
As investigations continue, the city remains vigilant, ensuring community safety amid rising tensions surrounding immigration enforcement practices.
