Father of a 5-year-old wounded during federal immigration operation in Marble Hill; questions mount over use of force and accountability
Salman J. Choudhury:
A 28-year-old Dominican national was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer during a federal immigration operation in Marble Hill, the Bronx, on October 8, raising fresh concerns about the use of force and its impact on immigrant communities.
The man, identified as Oscar Belgal, was reportedly driving with his 5-year-old son when the incident occurred. According to reports, an ICE officer fired seven shots, striking Belgal in the neck area below his left ear. His child was not injured.
Belgal was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital for treatment. He was reported to be in stable condition before being returned to federal custody. His attorney said a bullet remained lodged in his body as of Friday.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described the incident as part of a targeted immigration enforcement operation. Officials cited Belgal’s prior grand larceny conviction, along with other arrests and pending allegations. Federal authorities reportedly said the vehicle moved toward officers, a claim that remains central to questions surrounding the shooting.
The circumstances of the incident are under scrutiny. The New York Police Department was not involved before the shooting, according to reports, while the federal operation has prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Governor Kathy Hochul and State Attorney General Letitia James expressed concern following the incident. Protests and confrontations have also highlighted growing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in New York.
The shooting has intensified concerns among immigrant advocates and community members about the risks faced by families during federal enforcement actions. Questions remain about the sequence of events, the justification for the use of deadly force and the safeguards in place to protect children and bystanders during such operations.
As the investigation continues, community leaders and advocates are calling for a thorough review of the incident and clear answers about the decisions that led to the shooting.
