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- calendar_today October 9, 2026
Homeland Security Secretary Addresses ICE Shooting in New York
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has defended the actions of a federal immigration agent who shot and wounded a man during an attempted arrest in New York, highlighting the ongoing debate over ICE operations and sanctuary city policies. Mullin emphasized the commitment of federal authorities to enforce immigration laws and criticized local policies that restrict cooperation with federal agencies.
The Incident: ICE Shooting During Arrest Attempt
The altercation occurred when a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer opened fire and wounded a man while attempting to make an arrest. The officer fired into a vehicle occupied by the suspect and a 5-year-old child. The child was unharmed during the incident. According to Mullin, officers were unaware that a child was present in the car at the time of the shooting. He attributed responsibility for the risky situation to the suspect rather than the officers, stating it was “absurd” to blame them for actions taken during the arrest attempt.
Reactions from New York Leaders
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani quickly condemned the shooting. The incident was described as an “outrage” and a cause for concern among residents about their safety. Mayor Mamdani called for the abolition of ICE following the shooting, sparking further discussions around the role and oversight of immigration enforcement in New York.
Details on the Suspect and ICE Response
The Department of Homeland Security identified the man shot as Oscar Belgal, originally from the Dominican Republic. Belgal entered the United States illegally and was previously convicted of grand larceny. He was arrested in New York in 2023 but later released due to sanctuary city policies, according to DHS. ICE official Marcos Charles claimed Belgal tried to crash into ICE vehicles and accelerated toward officers during the attempted arrest, prompting the agent to open fire. Charles described the injury to Belgal as superficial. Belgal has since been placed in an out-of-state detention facility pending prosecution and removal proceedings.
Mullin Criticizes Sanctuary Policies and Stands by ICE
Secretary Mullin strongly criticized sanctuary cities, arguing that federal authorities must enforce immigration laws regardless of local political stances. He referenced a recent attack on a New York City Police Department officer by an individual in the country illegally, questioning why protests against immigration enforcement did not extend to support for law enforcement victims. Mullin also addressed concerns about whether Belgal knew he was being stopped by ICE officers, noting that plainclothes officers identified themselves and gave lawful orders during the encounter.
Ongoing Debate Over Immigration Enforcement
Mullin stated that DHS focuses on arresting and deporting the "worst of the worst" among undocumented immigrants. He pointed to data showing that roughly 70% of those detained by ICE do not have a criminal record, highlighting the complexities of immigration enforcement. Mullin further criticized Mayor Mamdani for seeking Belgal’s release, maintaining that DHS would only transfer Belgal to the New York Police Department if criminal charges were pursued. Otherwise, Mullin indicated Belgal would remain in federal custody as deportation proceedings continue.
Conclusion
The shooting has intensified debate over federal immigration enforcement, sanctuary city policies, and public safety in New York. As leaders and advocates on both sides voice their positions, the incident remains at the center of the discussion about the future of immigration policy in the United States.
Source: wgntv.com.
