In brief
In a New York residential neighbourhood, federal immigration agents fired on a black 28‑year‑old driver as he drove a silver car that also carried his five‑year‑old son in the back seat. Department of Homeland Security chief Markwayne Mullin told reporters that the officers had not known about the child and that the shooting was warranted because the suspect resisted and then drove his vehicle toward other officers, posing a danger. Immediately after the incident, New York mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the raid, calling the action “unconscionable and incredibly serious,” and said the child was unharmed. The incident has sparked calls from local and state leaders – including Governor Kathy Hochul – for a thorough investigation and a halt to federal enforcement activities in the city.
In a New York neighbourhood, federal immigration agents fired on a black 28‑year‑old driver as he drove a silver car that also carried his five‑year‑old son in the back seat.
Department of Homeland Security chief Markwayne Mullin told reporters that the officers had not known about the child and that the shooting was warranted because the suspect resisted and then drove his vehicle toward other officers, posing a danger.
Immediately after the incident, New York mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the raid, calling the action unconscionable and incredibly serious, and said the child was unharmed.
Marcos Charles, a top ICE official, said the suspect was weaponized his vehicle and accelerated into two ICE cars, forcing agents to use lethal force.
The incident has sparked calls from local and state leaders – including Governor Kathy Hochul – for a thorough investigation and a halt to federal enforcement activities in the city.
Official statements say the suspect, Oscar Belgal, has a criminal record that includes grand larceny, assault, robbery and possession of drugs and weapons and is alleged to have ties to the transnational gang Trinitarios.
Body‑camera footage released by the NYPD shows agents arriving, attempting to help the suspect after the shooting, and later transporting him to a hospital.
The DHS is investigating the number of officers involved and will pending further inquiries decide if any policy changes are needed.
For more context, follow subsequent reports and the broader history of ICE shootings across the U.S.
