ICE agent shoots Dominican suspect during Bronx raid, sparking sanctuary policy debate

ICE agents wounded Oscar Belgal, a 28‑year‑old Dominican national, during a targeted enforcement operation in the Bronx on Oct. 8, 2026.

Belgal, who has prior convictions for grand larceny, assault and robbery and alleged ties to the Trinitarios gang, accelerated his SUV toward multiple officers after they displayed badges and issued lawful demands. A non‑lethal weapon was fired, striking him and prompting his transport to a local hospital.

Federal investigators reported that Belgal’s five‑year‑old son was in the backseat at the time of the shooting. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told CBS’s Margaret Brennan that the child’s presence was known only to the driver and that the suspect’s decision to charge officers placed the child in danger.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani denounced the use of force and called for an end to ICE operations in the city. The mayor’s office engaged in a two‑hour discussion with Mullin and President Donald Trump, urging Belgal’s release, while critics highlighted the suspect’s release after a previous 2023 arrest under sanctuary policies.

Body‑camera footage from the ICE officer who fired the weapon has not yet been released, though NYPD dash‑camera video captured the moment officers arrived on scene. The Department of Homeland Security described Belgal as “the definition of worst of the worst,” citing his extensive felony record, including four felony robbery charges, two felony assault charges, felony larceny, and drug offenses.

Officials from the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations are on the scene, and the incident remains under investigation. Authorities say a full release of the ICE officer’s footage will follow the completion of that investigation.