NYC outrage mounts after ICE officer shoots Oscar Belgal; deportation halted
While Belgal's future remains uncertain, immigrant advocates and community members have taken to the streets demanding accountability and calling for ICE to leave New York City.
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Just days after an ICE officer shot 28-year-old Oscar Belgal in the Bronx neighborhood of Marble Hill, outrage continues to grow across New York City.
Sources tell News 12 that Belgal is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center after a judge issued an order temporarily preventing his deportation while legal proceedings continue.
While Belgal's future remains uncertain, immigrant advocates and community members have taken to the streets demanding accountability and calling for ICE to leave New York City.
From the night of the shooting through the weekend, protesters gathered across the city, expressing concern not only for Belgal but for immigrant families who worry a similar incident could happen again.
"We are in a situation where we don't realize just how dangerous this is," one Brooklyn resident told News 12. "There are a lot more humane ways of dealing with people who come here illegally. There is a huge immigrant population here in Brooklyn. New York City was built on immigrants."
Others said the shooting has heightened fears throughout immigrant communities.
"I'm just horrified," another resident said. "I feel like this is bound to happen."
Many are also focused on Belgal's 5-year-old son, who was reportedly inside the vehicle when ICE officers fired seven shots.
"This feels like a litmus test to see what we're willing to put up with," one protester said. "If they're doing this in front of children, it shows they have no other boundaries. My fear is what could happen next. A child could be next."
Meanwhile, Gov. Kathy Hochul said on X that she spoke with the child's mother. According to Hochul, the boy, who is typically outgoing and talkative, has not been acting like himself since the incident.
News 12 reached out to Belgal's attorneys for comment but has not yet received a response.
