New York City
ICE Agent Fired In Self-Defense At A Man Who Was Sitting In A Car
By BSN Staff, . BSN Network. Satire.
NEW YORK, NY -- A federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent shot Oscar Belgal, a Dominican immigrant, in the neck during an enforcement operation in Marble Hill on Thursday night, and the government would like everyone to understand that this was the safest possible outcome given the circumstances, which included a car.
The NYPD released a still image from video footage showing the agent with his weapon drawn, aimed at Belgal's vehicle. Officials have described the moment as a tense, dynamic situation, which is the official government term for a man sitting in a car.
According to federal authorities, the agent fired after the vehicle moved in a threatening manner, a legal standard that, if applied consistently, would make every parking garage in Manhattan a combat zone and every Uber driver a potential combatant.
Belgal, who survived, was transported to a hospital where he is in stable condition. ICE has not clarified what charge, if any, justified the stop, the drawn weapon, or the shot to the neck, though a spokesperson confirmed the matter is under review, which is the government's version of "we'll circle back."
The video, which the NYPD released presumably under the theory that it looks better than it does, shows the agent approaching the driver's side with his firearm already extended at a man who had not yet done anything that appears on camera.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem released a statement Friday praising the professionalism of ICE field agents and their commitment to public safety, which is an interesting frame for a story about a man who was shot in the neck while driving home.
"Our agents face life-threatening situations every single day," Noem said, "and we stand fully behind their judgment, their training, and their courage." She did not specify which part of the training covers neck shots at moving vehicles, though sources say the relevant module is titled "De-escalation and Other Options."
Neighbors in Marble Hill described the scene as chaotic and frightening. One resident, who asked not to be named, said she heard the shot and initially assumed it was a car backfiring, which, in a way, it was.
Civil rights attorneys have called for a full federal investigation. ICE has called for patience. The car has not commented.
Belgal is expected to survive. The paperwork is expected to take longer.
The story we are making fun of: https://gothamist.com/news/what-we-know-about-the-ice-shooting-in-nyc