Dominican man shot by ICE agents in New York identified as Oscar Belgal

New York authorities have identified Oscar Belgal, a 28-year-old Dominican man who was shot in the neck by federal immigration agents during an operation in Marble Hill, a neighborhood between the Bronx and Manhattan. The New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed that Belgal was conscious and receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital.

The shooting occurred Thursday afternoon while Belgal was driving with his five-year-old son in the back seat. Authorities said the child was not injured and was placed in the care of a relative. The NYPD clarified that its officers were not involved in the incident and were not present when the shooting occurred.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said its agents were conducting a targeted operation to arrest Belgal, whom the agency described as an undocumented immigrant with a criminal record. ICE cited a previous grand larceny conviction and multiple prior arrests involving allegations of assault, robbery, drug possession and weapons possession. The agency also alleged that he had ties to the Dominican gang Trinitarios.

According to ICE officials, agents attempted to block Belgal’s vehicle as he allegedly tried to flee. The agency claimed he accelerated toward officers and struck several government vehicles, prompting one agent to fire a weapon. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the agents feared for their lives during the encounter. Belgal reportedly sustained a superficial gunshot wound to the neck.

The incident has drawn attention to immigration enforcement practices in New York and renewed debate over so-called sanctuary city policies. ICE criticized local policies, claiming they hinder cooperation with federal authorities, while the shooting remains under investigation by federal agencies, including the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations.