Protests erupt in New York City after ICE shooting in Marble Hill

A shooting involving a federal immigration agent in Marble Hill has intensified debate over ICE enforcement tactics in New York City, prompting local officials to demand accountability and protesters to rally in Foley Square and Marble Hill on Friday.

The incident happened Thursday during what the Department of Homeland Security described as a targeted operation involving an alleged gang member with prior criminal convictions. Authorities said an ICE agent shot 28-year-old Oscar Belgal during the encounter, while his 5-year-old son was reportedly inside the vehicle at the time.

One protester said she could not stop thinking about reports that a 5-year-old boy witnessed the shooting.

"Honestly, I cannot get the pictures of that 5-year-old child out of my head, screaming, 'Daddy, don't die,'" the protester said. "It's unacceptable that this is a reality in our city."

Another protester criticized federal agents involved in the operation.

"They don't know how to do their job, and the job they're being told to do is, frankly, unconstitutional," the protester said.

A third demonstrator said the protests were not unexpected.

"This was a long time coming," the protester said. "We saw it coming, and it's time for us to raise our voices."

Bronx officials also raised concerns about the risks posed to residents during enforcement actions in densely populated neighborhoods.

"We are dealing with people with strollers, disabilities and seniors," said Bronx Councilmember Justin Sanchez, co-chair of the Bronx City Council delegation. "What happens if one of those gunshots hits one of our seniors or someone with a disability?"

Sanchez said public safety efforts should not put families at risk.

"Yes, there are people we need to get off our streets to keep communities safe, but we need to make sure we're doing that while families are able to pick up their kids from school and not worry about police shootings," he said.

As the investigation continues and additional details emerge, including NYPD body camera footage, advocacy groups are calling for greater transparency.

Murad Awawdeh, president of the New York Immigration Coalition, questioned the tactics seen in the video.

"It looks like you're getting robbed. It looked like someone was coming up to your car with a gun to carjack you," Awawdeh said. "Is that the New York City we all deserve to live in?"

Questions about federal enforcement tactics emerged earlier this year when ICE agents arrested two Hispanic men, including a U.S. citizen, during an operation in New York. A federal judge later ruled the arrests were unlawful and criticized agents over false testimony and records connected to the case.

DHS has defended its actions and said the matter will continue to be litigated in court.

No arrests were reported during Friday's demonstrations.

Editor's note 10/13/26 5:47 p.m.: Authorities have said the last name of the person who was shot is Bergal. His attorney says his last name is spelled Belgal. This story has been updated to reflect that change.