Oscar Belgal, a 28-year-old man described by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a “criminal illegal alien” from the Dominican Republic, was shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in New York City on October 8. The DHS confirmed that during the incident, an ICE officer discharged his weapon, injuring Belgal.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch reported that at least seven shots were fired, striking Belgal in the neck below his left ear. NYPD officers, who were responding to an unrelated call nearby, heard the gunfire and arrived at the scene, where they found Belgal handcuffed and seated on the ground. According to Tisch, officers immediately provided assistance and transported him to a local hospital.
DHS officials stated that Belgal is being treated at a hospital and is alive. They confirmed that the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are currently investigating the incident. However, no further details have been released as the investigation continues.
Belgal was in a vehicle with a five-year-old child when he was shot. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani indicated that the child, believed to be Belgal’s son, was unharmed and is now under the care of a family member following wellness checks.
The DHS linked Belgal to the Trinitarios gang, a Dominican American street gang formed in 1993 that has been associated with criminal activities, including a prior shooting incident involving a Customs and Border Protection agent. Court records show Belgal has a history of arrests, including for grand larceny, assault, robbery, and weapons possession, and he is currently facing multiple pending criminal charges.
In the aftermath of the shooting, protests erupted in the Bronx, where demonstrators clashed with police. Thousands participated, voicing their outrage and demanding accountability from ICE. Protesters were reported to chant slogans such as, “Set him free, let him stay,” and “ICE out of NYC.” At least five protesters were arrested during the clashes, with some instances of confrontation with police barriers.
Political reactions have varied around the incident. Democrats, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Chuck Schumer, have condemned the shooting and called for an independent investigation and the release of body camera footage. Ocasio-Cortez described the situation as a “grave development” that requires immediate action to ensure public safety. Meanwhile, the Republican response to the incident has been notably muted.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin dismissed calls for a pause in ICE operations, emphasizing the agency’s ongoing enforcement efforts. He responded critically to political leaders expressing outrage over the incident, suggesting their reactions were hypocritical and politically motivated.
The situation remains under investigation, with details expected to emerge as agencies examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Law enforcement interactions with the community and agency protocols for such situations are likely to be scrutinized in the ongoing dialogue about immigration enforcement in urban areas.
