NYC Mayor Demands Trump End ICE Operations After Bronx Shooting
Protests erupt in the Bronx following an incident where an ICE agent shot an undocumented immigrant.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called on President Donald Trump to cease all Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the state following a shooting incident in the Bronx on Thursday. The shooting, involving a federal agent and an undocumented immigrant, triggered protests and confrontations with law enforcement.
Mamdani, speaking at a news conference late Thursday, condemned the shooting and stated he had spoken with Trump about the incident. The mayor unsuccessfully urged Trump to ensure the release of the man who was shot. "All they do is terrorize this city," Mamdani said of ICE.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also communicated with President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. Hochul expressed outrage and urged them to halt ICE enforcement actions in New York. She also requested the public release of any body camera footage related to the shooting.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE officers were attempting to arrest a man from the Dominican Republic when an agent opened fire, wounding him. DHS stated that the man is alive and receiving medical attention at a local hospital, and that the FBI and HSI are investigating. The agency described the individual as an undocumented immigrant with a history of convictions including grand larceny, assault, robbery, drug possession, and weapons possession, and alleged ties to the Trinitarios gang.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch identified the wounded man as a 28-year-old. She also confirmed that a 5-year-old boy, believed to be the man's son, was in the vehicle during the shooting but was not injured and is now with a family member. Tisch stated that evidence indicates at least one ICE agent fired seven rounds, striking the driver in the neck.
DHS cited New York City's sanctuary policies as a reason for the man's release after being arrested by the NYPD on December 7, 2023. He was reportedly released several days later.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital, where the injured man was being treated. Chants of "ICE off our streets" and "No justice, no peace" were heard. During the protest, which saw police erect barricades, some demonstrators reportedly threw water bottles at officers, leading to some arrests.