An ICE agent shot and injured a man who was in the U.S. illegally during an immigration enforcement operation in New York City on Thursday afternoon, as reported by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
In the Bronx, protests erupted following the shooting, resulting in several arrests. Demonstrators were observed blocking federal vehicles and breaking car windows, which, well, escalated the situation quite a bit.
Video footage captured dozens of protesters clashing with law enforcement, pushing against barricades amid rising tensions. Many wore masks and displayed signs that read “ICE out of NYC,” while chanting, “Set him free, let him stay, full rights for immigrants.”
The incident occurred around 4 p.m. in the Marble Hill neighborhood, where ICE agents were attempting to arrest a man from the Dominican Republic. DHS identified the individual as Oscar Bergdahl, 28, describing him as a wanted illegal immigrant with a history that includes a grand larceny conviction and previous arrests for assault, robbery, drug possession, and weapons possession. Allegations also linked him to the Trinitarios gang.
While DHS did not clarify what instigated the shooting or the number of shots fired, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that evidence indicated “at least one agent discharged the seven rounds, striking the driver in the neck below his left ear.”
ICE agents offered medical assistance immediately, and the injured man was taken to a nearby hospital. Importantly, Tisch acknowledged that a 5-year-old boy, believed to be Bergdahl’s son, was inside the vehicle during the incident. Fortunately, the child was later found safe, in the care of a family member.
During a press conference later that evening, Tisch noted that Bergdahl had two prior arrests in NYC. He had pleaded guilty to fourth-degree grand larceny from a 2023 robbery and was under probation. He was also arrested in 2025 on drug-related charges that remain unresolved.
DHS attributed Bergdahl’s release to New York City’s sanctuary policies, which they argue complicate enforcement actions.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the issue during the press conference, mentioning a failed two-hour phone conversation with President Donald Trump regarding the release of the man shot by ICE. He further criticized ICE’s behavior, claiming the agency acts “with impunity” and spreads “chaos and terror” across the nation, asserting that it has caused more harm than good.
Earlier that day, Mamdani expressed serious concerns about ICE agents allegedly surrounding Bergdahl and the child in their vehicle prior to the shooting, though DHS has yet to confirm those details.
Mamdani emphasized that ICE’s actions must change and called for the agency’s abolition, insisting that federal immigration agents should vacate New York communities, hospitals, and streets.
The NYPD clarified that its officers were not involved in the shooting and were not present at the time. They directed further inquiries to federal authorities, as DHS launched an investigation into the incident.
DHS, meanwhile, criticized local sanctuary policies for forcing ICE officers into potentially perilous situations when executing arrests.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the situation as well, demanding federal authorities provide a comprehensive account of what transpired. She expressed her expectations for transparency, stating that New Yorkers deserve to understand the full scope of the incident.
Hochul also mentioned discussions with Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, stressing her outrage on behalf of New Yorkers and pushing for the cessation of ICE enforcement operations in New York.
As it stands, the reasons behind the ICE officer discharging their weapon are still unclear. DHS promises to release more information as the investigation continues.
