ICE officers opened fire on 28‑year‑old Oscar Belgal in New York City on Thursday, striking him in the neck as he drove a car that was carrying a 5‑year‑old boy, officials said. Belgal, a Dominican national, had a detainer issued against him and was linked to a street gang involved in armed thefts on mopeds—information that ICE cited as justification for the use of deadly force.
Senior Officer Marcos Charles explained that officers had no knowledge that a child was inside the vehicle, yet Belgal was aware of the presence of the child and chose to evade the squad. When he accelerated toward the agents, the officers fired, resulting in a superficial neck wound. The agents’ vehicles were also struck in the exchange.
The shooting was highlighted at a Washington briefing where Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin criticized New York City’s sanctuary policies, accusing the mayor of creating an environment where criminal activity could thrive. Community leaders in Brooklyn, however, decried the incident as an example of excessive force during the Trump‑era immigration crackdown and called for accountability.
An investigation has been launched by the Department of Justice, and ICE has announced a review of its arrest protocols, pledging to assess whether its use of force protocols align with federal guidelines. The review will also examine how sanctuary city ordinances may influence ICE’s operational decisions.
Meanwhile, the 5‑year‑old boy’s family, who were unaware of the danger, is reportedly seeking medical treatment and legal counsel after the traumatic encounter.
The outcome of the DOJ inquiry and the potential policy adjustments will likely shape federal enforcement strategies in sanctuary jurisdictions over the next few weeks.