ICE defends shooting of Dominican man in New York

Washington, D.C.- U.S. immigration officials are defending the shooting of a 28-year-old Dominican man by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in New York, while city and state leaders demand an investigation and the release of body-camera footage.

Oscar Belgal was wounded in the neck during an attempted arrest, with his five-year-old son inside the vehicle. Authorities said the child was not physically injured.

ICE official Marcos Charles alleged that Belgal accelerated toward agents after they blocked his vehicle, prompting officers to fire because they feared for their safety. However, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said an off-duty federal agent approached Belgal as he was pulling into a parking space, with a weapon drawn. At least one agent fired seven shots, she said.

The New York Police Department released footage showing officers arriving after the shooting and taking Belgal to a hospital. ICE agents were wearing activated body cameras, according to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, although federal authorities have not said when the recordings will be made public.

ICE said it had previously attempted to arrest Belgal, who was convicted of grand theft last year and sentenced to five years of probation. He has pleaded not guilty to separate narcotics trafficking charges.

The Legal Aid Society, which represents Belgal in the drug case, called for a full and transparent investigation and accountability for the agents involved. His lawyers have also filed an emergency petition seeking his release from federal detention.

Belgal remains in federal custody, and authorities have not disclosed where he is being held. The differing accounts of the shooting have intensified calls for transparency as the investigation proceeds.