ICE officer shoots illegal immigrant in Bronx, mayor condemns agency and protests erupt
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer discharged his weapon on Oct. 8, 2026, wounding 28‑year‑old Oscar Belgal, an illegal immigrant from the Dominican Republic, during a targeted operation in the Bronx.
Belgal, who has a prior grand‑larceny conviction and multiple arrests for assault, robbery, drug possession and weapons charges, was also identified as a member of the Trinitarios gang. A five‑year‑old child sat in the back seat of the vehicle at the time of the shooting and was not injured.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani denounced the incident, calling ICE "rotten to its core" and demanding its abolition. In a late‑night press conference, he said he had spoken with President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin for two hours in an attempt to secure Belgal’s release, but the negotiations were unsuccessful. "When dangerous illegal aliens are released back onto the streets by radical sanctuary politicians, our officers are forced to make arrests at large in unpredictable and dangerous environments," Mamdani said, echoing ICE’s own statements.
ICE released a statement confirming that an officer fired seven rounds, striking Belgal below the left ear, and that agents immediately rendered aid before transporting him to NewYork‑Presbyterian Allen Hospital. The agency added that the suspect was alive and receiving medical treatment while the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations continued their investigation.
The shooting ignited a wave of protests outside the hospital. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered, chanting slogans such as "Get ICE out of our neighborhoods" and "No justice, no peace," and some participants attempted to pull down police barricades. Police reported several arrests as clashes escalated.
State and local officials also weighed in. Governor Kathy Hochul said she had spoken with President Trump and Secretary Mullin, urging a full and transparent accounting of the incident and the release of any body‑camera footage. Federal officials defended the use of force, stating that officers believed they were in danger when Belgal accelerated his vehicle toward them.
The incident has revived debate over New York City’s sanctuary policies, which critics argue enable dangerous individuals to remain in the community, while supporters contend they protect immigrant families from aggressive federal enforcement.
Authorities continue to investigate the shooting, and city leaders say they will monitor the situation closely as legal challenges concerning Belgal’s detention and possible deportation move forward.
