Protests Erupt in New York After ICE Shooting of Dominican Man

Protests broke out in New York City on Friday after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers shot a man during an operation in the Bronx. The incident occurred on October 8, 2026, and has sparked tensions between the city’s Democratic mayor and the Trump administration.

The man, identified as 28-year-old Oscar Bergal, was shot in the neck. He was in his car at the time, along with a five-year-old child who was not harmed. Mayor Zohran Mamdani criticized the shooting, calling for the abolition of ICE, a sentiment often echoed by those opposing strict immigration policies.

In response, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin condemned the mayor’s remarks, stating they could incite hostility. He questioned how the city would handle crime without ICE, emphasizing the agency’s role in removing dangerous individuals from the streets.

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Manhattan, chanting slogans like “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here” and “No ICE.” New York City, known for its Democratic leadership, restricts its police from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement.

Mayor Mamdani expressed his intention to speak with President Trump and demand the withdrawal of immigration agents from the city. The shooting incident has put their previously warm relationship to the test.

Video footage of the shooting showed a plainclothes federal agent approaching Bergal’s car with a drawn gun. The situation escalated when Bergal reportedly tried to drive away, colliding with ICE vehicles.

Mullin stated that Bergal had a criminal history and was attempting to evade arrest at the time of the shooting. ICE officials claimed they were unaware of the child in the vehicle when they opened fire.