ICE Shooting Suspect Called 'Menace to Society' by Former Neighbor

A man shot by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the Bronx had previously terrorized residents of his former apartment building with a machete, according to a neighbor.

Oscar Belgal, 28, described by federal authorities as a "criminal illegal alien" from the Dominican Republic with alleged ties to the Trinitarios street gang, was a "menace to society" during his time living in a Washington Heights apartment building until about a year ago, a resident told The Post.

"He’s a menace to society," the resident, who withheld his name, stated. "I spoke to him once and told him, ‘Look, you need to be more submissive because I see you acting too reckless’ … He thought he was a tough guy."

The neighbor recalled an incident last year where Belgal allegedly pulled a machete on another resident's nephew during an altercation outside the building. He also claimed Belgal had previously evaded ICE by using the building's fire escapes.

Belgal's criminal history includes a 2023 conviction for armed robbery and a 2025 arrest for allegedly selling fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, according to authorities. His recent encounter with ICE occurred Thursday when agents approached his vehicle as he pulled out of a parking spot in the Bronx.

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations division chief Marcos Charles stated Belgal "accelerated" his vehicle at the agents, colliding with two of them. Agents pursued Belgal a short distance before shooting him in the neck. His 5-year-old son, who was in the backseat, was unharmed. Belgal is expected to recover.

On Saturday, protests were held in Midtown Manhattan in support of Belgal, with demonstrators calling for the abolition of ICE and criticizing New York City officials. The neighbor expressed disbelief that Belgal was allegedly driving with his son despite his legal troubles, stating, "If he owes a debt to society, he should pay it… He was a danger to society."