A car reportedly belonging to a man was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer during an operation in the Bronx borough of New York is seen on October 8, 2026, according to local media and police. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — A 28-year-old illegal immigrant from the Dominican Republic was shot and wounded by federal immigration agents during a targeted enforcement operation in New York City’s Bronx on Thursday. A 5-year-old child, believed to be the man’s son, was inside the vehicle but was not injured.
ICE officials said Oscar Belgal refused orders to exit his vehicle, struck two government vehicles and accelerated toward officers, prompting them to open fire. An ICE executive said officers believed their lives and the public were in danger.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at least one agent fired seven rounds, striking Belgal in the neck below his left ear. He suffered a superficial wound, received first aid and was taken to a hospital before being placed in ICE custody.
Two federal agents were also injured in the encounter, according to a law enforcement source.
The Department of Homeland Security said Belgal has alleged ties to the Trinitarios gang and a criminal history that includes a grand larceny conviction and prior arrests. A separate drug-sale case from 2025 remains pending.
NYPD said its officers were not involved in the shooting. Investigators recovered at least seven shell casings and documented ballistic damage to the vehicle. The incident comes as the Trump administration pushes to increase immigration arrests nationwide.
More about: