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US immigration officials defend ICE agents who shot man in car with child

DHS head says officers did not know five-year-old was in back seat; shooting under investigation

By LineZotpaper
Published
Updated
Read Time2 min
Sources2 outlets
US immigration officials have defended the actions of ICE agents who shot and wounded a man in his car in New York on Thursday while his five-year-old son sat in the back seat. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said at a news conference that officers were not aware the child was in the vehicle.

The shooting occurred in the Marble Hill neighbourhood. Oscar Belgal, the man shot, is now being held at a detention facility. The legal organisation representing him told the BBC that lawyers have not yet been able to speak to him.

At a news conference on Friday, Mullin argued that Belgal had put his own child in danger. He said officers fired their weapons while trying to arrest a man with a criminal history.

Marcos Charles, a senior ICE official, provided a detailed account of the incident. He said agents used their vehicles to try to stop Belgal in his car, but that he resisted orders to get out and instead accelerated, smashing into two ICE vehicles. Charles then said Belgal "weaponised his vehicle and proceeded to accelerate going towards other officers".

"Our officers, using their training, and believing that their life and the life of their partners in the general public were in danger, used their training and fired weapons," Charles said.

The number of officers who fired their weapons is being investigated. Charles added that Belgal "was struck by one of the bullets or fragments superficially in the neck".

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The incident raises questions about the use of deadly force by immigration enforcement agents, especially when children are present.
  • It underscores the risks and scrutiny faced by ICE in its routine arrest operations.
  • The outcome of the investigation could influence public trust and future protocols for vehicle stops.

Background

ICE agents are authorised to make arrests of individuals with criminal histories, but the use of deadly force is governed by department policy requiring an immediate threat. The agency has faced prior criticism over officer-involved shootings, with advocacy groups calling for greater transparency and body-worn camera footage.

Key Perspectives

Department of Homeland Security / ICE: Agents acted in self-defence after Belgal accelerated toward officers. They maintain they did not know a child was in the car and that Belgal endangered his son. Oscar Belgal's legal team: Lawyers have not yet been able to speak to their client. They are expected to scrutinise the officers' account and whether less-lethal options were available. Critics/Immigrant rights advocates: Likely to argue that the use of deadly force in a residential area with a child present was disproportionate and that agents should have de-escalated or waited for backup.

What to Watch

  • The investigation into how many officers fired their weapons and why.
  • Court proceedings and whether charges are brought against either Belgal or the agents.
  • Possible release of additional body-camera footage beyond what has already been made public.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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