Public outrage is growing over an incident where an ICE agent shot a man in New York City’s Marble Hill. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defends the actions taken by the agent.
Shooting Details
Authorities report that 28-year-old Oscar Belgal was shot in the neck by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. The shooting occurred while a child was in the back seat, but the child was unharmed. This event unfolded on a Thursday afternoon.
NYPD Releases Footage
The NYPD made body-camera footage from the incident available. The footage shows officers arriving at the scene after the shooting. Conversations among bystanders suggest ICE agents’ involvement. The footage captured Belgal on the ground and a man with a long gun nearby. Officers called for an ambulance but decided to transport Belgal to the hospital themselves.
“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 stated.
DHS Responds
DHS held a news conference to justify the shooting, stating Belgal did not comply with orders from federal officers. Marcos Charles of ICE described Belgal’s actions, including his refusal to exit the car and allegedly ramming ICE vehicles.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani attempted negotiations with President Trump and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin for Belgal’s release. However, the conversations did not secure his release.
Efforts by CBS News New York to obtain comments from City Hall regarding Mullin’s statement have yielded no response.
Reactions from Officials and Family
Rep. Adriano Espaillat spoke with Belgal’s family, describing them as nervous. He mentioned the 5-year-old boy remains in good spirits.
DHS stated Belgal was in the U.S. illegally and linked him to criminal activity, including gang associations and prior convictions. He was previously arrested in August 2025 for drug-related charges and released on supervised conditions, according to court documents.
Public Backlash
The incident has sparked protests and criticism from officials, including Mayor Mamdani. He expressed strong opposition to ICE’s actions and reiterated calls for abolishing the agency.
“New York City will not stand by while ICE agents shoot New Yorkers. And we will not back down from the demand that so many, including myself, have put forward time and again. This is an agency that must be abolished,” Mamdani stated.
Thursday night protests led to the detention of five individuals. DHS has since moved Belgal to a facility outside New York state.
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