ICE Agent Shooting in Marble Hill Draws Public Outcry

The aftermath of a shooting by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in the Marble Hill section of New York City led to widespread outrage and protests as authorities released new details and video from the incident on Thursday afternoon. According to officials, Oscar Bergal, 28, was shot once in the neck by an ICE agent while his 5-year-old child sat in the back seat of the vehicle. The child was not injured in the incident.

NYPD Body Camera Footage Released

On Friday, the New York Police Department published body camera footage from officers who responded to the scene immediately after the shooting. The footage captures two officers arriving and speaking with pedestrians, who inform them that ICE agents had been involved in the shooting. Oscar Bergal is shown sitting on the ground, while a man in a reflective vest, armed with a long gun, stands nearby. The officers call for an ambulance, but then transport Bergal in their vehicle to the hospital themselves, carrying him into the emergency room.

Department of Homeland Security Defends Agents’ Actions

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) addressed the incident at a Friday morning news conference, defending the ICE agents’ conduct. Marcos Charles, representing ICE, stated, “This individual yesterday decided to not comply with lawful orders given by federal law enforcement officers, ICE officers. Good men and women that are out there every day enforcing immigration laws.”

DHS officials claimed that agents had previously tried to detain Bergal unsuccessfully in September. They allege Bergal refused to exit his vehicle on Thursday, then accelerated and struck two government vehicles, allegedly “weaponizing” his car and driving toward other officers before shots were fired.

Political Response and Ongoing Protests in New York City

The incident has prompted strong responses from both local officials and community members. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams criticized the tactics used: “There was nothing that was happening that would make people have to disguise themselves as construction workers, surround a man's car with his 5-year-old son in it, coming from school at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and shoot him in the neck in the car.”

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani reportedly engaged in urgent discussions with President Trump and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, seeking Bergal’s release. Mullin stated that the federal government offered to release Bergal to NYPD custody if the department pressed charges, but Mayor Mamdani declined the offer, according to Mullin. CBS News requested comment from City Hall regarding these discussions but had not received a response at the time of publication.

Protests erupted immediately after the shooting, with five arrests reported Thursday night. Further demonstrations were scheduled for Friday evening in Lower Manhattan. Rep. Adriano Espaillat also spoke with Bergal’s family, describing them as shaken but noting that Bergal’s 5-year-old son was in good spirits.

Details About Oscar Bergal and Immigration Enforcement Operation

DHS identified Bergal as the target of a “targeted enforcement operation” and stated he was in the U.S. illegally. According to authorities, he had a past criminal conviction for grand larceny, several arrests for assault, robbery, and weapons possession, and alleged connections to the Trinitarios gang.

Court records indicate Bergal was arrested in August 2025 for selling cocaine and fentanyl in Manhattan and had been released under supervision. Following the shooting, DHS reported that Bergal was moved to a detention facility outside of New York state.

Continuing Developments and Calls for Agency Reform

The shooting and subsequent protests have led to renewed calls for changes in immigration enforcement policies. Mayor Mamdani and others have called for the abolition of ICE, stating, “New York City will not stand by while ICE agents shoot New Yorkers.” The situation remains under review, as additional protests and discussions surrounding the role of ICE and immigration enforcement in New York City continue.

Source: cbsnews.com.