NEW YORK — A federal immigration officer shot a 28-year-old Dominican man, identified as Oscar Belgal, in the neck during an attempted arrest in Marble Hill on Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred while Belgal was driving with a 5-year-old boy, who was unharmed, according to police and officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
DHS reported that the shooting happened during a “targeted enforcement operation.” However, details regarding the specific circumstances of the shooting remain unclear. Officials stated only that “during the incident, an ICE officer discharged his weapon,” injuring Belgal.
City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch provided more context, explaining that Belgal was pulling into a parking space when plainclothes federal officers approached with guns drawn. As Belgal attempted to drive away, at least one officer fired seven rounds, striking him below his left ear. Belgal survived and has been hospitalized.
Local officials and community members expressed outrage over the incident, criticizing the operation as an example of the risks associated with the administration’s immigration policies. Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the shooting, stating, “There is no justification for what we have seen today.” He also highlighted that the officers involved wore construction vests and masks, making it difficult for bystanders to recognize them as immigration officers.
Mamdani had spent time throughout the evening contacting President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, urging them to halt such operations and to release Belgal from custody. Late Thursday night, federal authorities took Belgal from the hospital.
Governor Kathy Hochul also reiterated the need for accountability in her communications with federal officials. Meanwhile, DHS criticized “reckless sanctuary policies,” suggesting they force its officers to conduct arrests in unpredictable conditions.
The shooting, which occurred around 4 p.m., was recorded on a nearby NYPD security camera, though it did not capture the shooting itself. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and seeing Belgal on the ground surrounded by law enforcement personnel. Bystander videos shared on social media showed the immediate aftermath, with Belgal being removed from the scene by police.
Following the shooting, a protest erupted at the hospital where Belgal was taken, with demonstrators chanting against ICE and calling for an end to immigration enforcement in the area. Clashes between police and protesters later ensued, resulting in some arrests.
Belgal had a criminal history, including a 2023 robbery charge for which he pleaded guilty to grand larceny, resulting in probation. He is currently facing a separate unresolved drug sale charge.
In light of past incidents, ICE has tightened its protocols around vehicle stops and has prohibited high-speed chases. Community members have also voiced concerns about the need for immigration officers to clearly identify themselves during enforcement actions, emphasizing the importance of transparency.
