“[At a DHS news conference in Washington on the "dangerous consequences of sanctuary city policies":] Sanctuary politicians, they create an environment for criminal activity to thrive, not for the American citizens to be safe. … When you have sanctuary cities and sanctuary politicians, you endanger the safety of the public. … We're enforcing our nation's laws. We're not picking and choosing. … Why is that controversial? We should all want law and order on our streets. … This was a thug. The absolute worst of the worst. … We're giving so much attention to this thug. … [On Mayor Mamdani:] The mayor speaks with political tone. His words are dangerous and incite hostility. … As the investigation moves forward, as I said, we'll release the information.
An ICE Officer Fires Seven Rounds Into a Car With a 5-Year-Old Inside in Upper Manhattan, Hitting 28-Year-Old Oscar Belgal in the Neck — Zohran Mamdani Says "There Is No Explanation," Kathy Hochul Calls ICE "a Rogue Federal Agency," and Markwayne Mullin Says the Mayor's "Words Are Dangerous and Incite Hostility"
October 8, 2026
Around 4 p.m. on Oct. 8, 2026, during what DHS called a "targeted enforcement operation" in the Marble Hill section of Upper Manhattan, a plainclothes ICE officer approached a gray car with his gun drawn as the driver, 28-year-old Oscar Belgal, was pulling into a parking space. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at least one agent fired seven rounds, striking Belgal in the neck below his left ear. A 5-year-old boy, believed to be his son, was in the back seat and was not physically hurt. Belgal was hospitalized in stable condition and then moved into ICE custody outside the city. Some outlets later spelled his surname "Bergal." DHS said Belgal is a Dominican national with a grand larceny conviction and gang ties. At an Oct. 9 news conference, a senior ICE official said officers fired because Belgal drove into their vehicles and they believed their lives were in danger. Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he spent about two hours on the phone with President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin seeking Belgal's release and an end to ICE operations in the city, and was turned down. Mullin said the officers' body cameras were on but set no date for releasing the footage. He accused Mamdani of inciting hostility. Hundreds protested outside the hospital, and four people were arrested.
8 Statements
“[On social media, saying ICE had barred him and Belgal's family from visiting Belgal under guard at the hospital, and that the 5-year-old was Belgal's son, who was] distraught and traumatized after witnessing this horrific event.
“[On X, calling the shooting] deeply disturbing, especially amid reports that a child was in the car when shots were fired.
“My thoughts are with the Marble Hill community as we await more information. … It is critical that all the facts are brought to light, and I expect a thorough and transparent review of exactly what transpired.
“[On X: ICE] firing multiple rounds into a car with a child inside, on a busy residential street in the Bronx, … is abhorrent and indefensible.
“[In a statement calling for an independent investigation, release of the body camera footage and abolishing ICE:] … the Target Corporation must stop offering their Bronx properties as private staging sites for ICE. … Target opening up large, active retail parking lots for paramilitary activity is unacceptable.
“New Yorkers have witnessed far too many acts of violence by a rogue federal agency. … Federal authorities need to provide answers, and they must do so immediately. … I also asked that any body camera footage of the shooting be released to the public.
“[At the scene and a news conference with Commissioner Tisch on Thursday evening:] There is no justification for what we have seen today. … There is no explanation for federal officers firing this many rounds into a car that has a 5-year-old in the car. There is no explanation. … We are right there by a subway, and the pretext of ICE is, in their words, to keep this country safe. … Residents have no idea if these are law enforcement agents or if they are simply attacking someone on the street. [In a written statement:] This is an unconscionable and incredibly serious situation. … I have called the President; when we speak I will demand that he ends all ICE enforcement actions in our city. … I will not stand by while ICE agents terrorize our communities. … Get ICE out of our neighborhoods. Get ICE out of our hospitals. Get ICE off our streets. Get ICE away from our children. Abolish ICE.