Legal Aid Society Demands Release of Man Shot by ICE in NYC

Masked ICE officers approached Belgal’s vehicle without a warrant or identification, shattering the driver’s-side window before firing at least seven shots. Belgal was struck in the neck while his five-year-old son sat in the back seat. According to attorneys Perry McAninch and Elyssa Williams, agents left a bleeding, semi-conscious Belgal on the ground before he was eventually stabilized by local police. Despite medical instructions for urgent surgical removal of the projectile, ICE transferred him to a facility frequently criticized for medical neglect.

The incident has reignited political pressure to dismantle federal immigration enforcement agencies. Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ro Khanna have renewed calls to abolish ICE, while Rep. Delia Ramirez has introduced legislation targeting the Department of Homeland Security. Data shows DHS agents have shot over two dozen people since the start of the current administration, with more than 50 deaths reported in ICE custody during the same period. The Haitian Bridge Alliance continues to demand an independent investigation and the release of body camera footage to hold the officers involved accountable.