Understand
US immigration officials defend ICE agents after man shot in car with child inside
Overview
US immigration officials have defended Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who shot and wounded Oscar Belgal in his car in New York while his five-year-old son was in the back seat. DHS officials stated that agents fired after Belgal weaponised his vehicle during an attempted arrest, though officials claimed they were unaware a child was present. Local leaders, including New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul, strongly condemned the incident and demanded answers, while DHS highlighted Belgal's criminal history and alleged gang association.
Key points
- US immigration officials defended ICE agents who shot and wounded Oscar Belgal in New York during an operation while his five-year-old son was in the back seat.
- Homeland security head Markwayne Mullin stated officials were unaware the child was in the car and argued Belgal put the child in danger.
- ICE official Marcos Charles said agents opened fire because Belgal accelerated towards officers after smashing into two ICE vehicles.
- New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani criticised the incident as unconscionable, noting agents wore construction vests and masks, making them difficult to identify.
- The Department of Homeland Security stated Belgal is from the Dominican Republic and has a prior criminal record and alleged ties to the Trinitarios gang.
- Governor Kathy Hochul also demanded answers, criticising federal agents for operating with impunity.