Local Reactions to ICE Shooting of Illegal Migrant

Residents in New York are hesitant to label the migrant who was shot by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as one of their own, despite attempts from some to depict him as a victim while criticizing federal agents dedicated to protecting citizens.

The individual in question, Oscar Belgal, a 28-year-old from the Dominican Republic, is suspected of having entered the U.S. illegally in 2022. Reports indicate he has been linked to several criminal activities, including armed robbery and drug offenses, according to the New York Post.

Court documents reveal that New York state’s bail and sanctuary policies have permitted Belgal to remain on the streets despite his criminal record. He was reported to have robbed someone at gunpoint in 2023 and was involved in drug sales following a conviction.

In a social media post, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani referred to Belgal as a “New Yorker,” asserting that local citizens wished for ICE to retreat from the area. However, many locals disagreed with this characterization.

“I don’t consider him a New Yorker,” expressed Bronx resident Migdalia Martinez, whose son was tragically killed in a gang-related incident last July. She described Belgal in harsh terms, emphasizing, “I consider him trash. My home, New York, is not trash.”

Martinez’s son lost his life in a neighborhood known for gang activity. Federal authorities suspect that this same gang was involved in a shooting incident involving a Customs and Border Patrol officer in 2025.

Belgal was shot in the Bronx while investigators were probing his potential connections to the aforementioned shooting of the officer. Reports suggest he attempted to run over immigration agents with his vehicle, prompting them to fire and inflict a non-life-threatening injury to his neck.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that the agency remains committed to apprehending criminal migrants. He noted that the ICE officers acted out of fear for their safety as Belgal threatened them with his vehicle.

Mullin also pointed out that Belgal endangered his own child, who was in the car during the incident, noting that officers were unaware of the child’s presence. “Oscar knew he had a child in his car. Oscar chose to accelerate and ram vehicles while approaching officers. The public’s outrage should be directed towards him for placing the child in danger,” he remarked.

Following the shooting, protests against ICE have erupted in New York City, reflecting the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement.

Another neighbor, Mora Rodriguez, shared similar sentiments, insisting Belgal should not be regarded as a New Yorker. She expressed frustration with the legal system, criticizing the release of individuals with lengthy criminal records. “This is a criminal. Why would you let this person out?” she asked, advocating for political change. “We gotta vote red. That’s what I can say to you.”

Meanwhile, a federal judge has intervened, blocking Belgal’s deportation after a petition was filed by immigration advocates. He was transferred into custody and booked into MDC-Brooklyn in New York following his detainment by ICE.