Federal immigration agents opened fire on a Bronx vehicle, wounding the driver while his 5‑year‑old child sat in the back seat, sparking debate over federal enforcement tactics.
The shooting happened during a targeted operation aimed at Oscar Belgal, who federal officials say is in the United States illegally and carries a grand‑larceny record. New York Police Department footage shows plain‑clothes officers approaching Belgal’s parked car with guns drawn; one officer tapped the driver’s side window with his weapon, while another moved toward the front headlight.
Belgal shifted the car into reverse and tried to flee, colliding with other vehicles along the way. Officers unleashed multiple rounds into the vehicle, striking Belgal, while the child in the back seat remained unharmed.
On Sunday’s CNN “State of the Union,” Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended the officers’ actions and the decision to use force, emphasizing that Belgal posed a flight risk and had a violent history.
“Oscar had already fled once before just a month ago,” Mullin said. “He knew that officers were looking for him. He understood that he was a wanted man.”
Mullin outlined Belgal’s extensive criminal background, which includes felony robbery, assault, larceny, weapons possession, dangerous drugs, and suspected gang ties. He noted that agents didn’t know a child was inside the car before they approached, arguing that Belgal put his own son in danger by attempting to escape.
“He chose to accelerate at a rated speed, hit the vehicle in front, flared off, and accelerate towards officers into another vehicle,” Mullin said. “Why would you ever put your child into situations like that?”
CNN host Jake Tapper asked whether law‑enforcement tactics need revisiting, suggesting that plain‑clothes agents banging on windows with guns might trigger panic and flight, and urging agents to check for children before opening fire.
Mullin replied that plain‑clothes and undercover methods are standard across local, state, and federal agencies nationwide.
“When they approach the vehicle, they had their badges out. You can see that their badge was out, and they were giving lawful commands,” Mullin said. He also criticized New York’s sanctuary policies, pointing out that previous immigration detainers for Belgal went unheeded by state authorities.
The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations are currently reviewing the shooting, and Mullin said federal body‑camera footage will be released after those investigations conclude.
Leave a Reply