U.S. federal immigration officials shot and wounded a man from the Dominican Republic during an arrest in New York City on Thursday, as part of what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described as a “targeted enforcement operation.” Demonstrators voiced concerns over the risks associated with the immigration policies under the Trump administration.
The man, labeled as a “criminal illegal alien” with a previous grand larceny conviction and a record of past arrests, survived the incident and is currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital. DHS did not provide specific details leading up to the shooting, stating that an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer discharged his weapon during the operation, resulting in the man’s injury.
Despite being arrested in December 2023, the man was released due to what DHS referred to as “reckless” policies in Democratic-run cities like New York. Mayor Zohran Mamdani called for an immediate halt to all ICE raids in the city, with protesters at the scene chanting, “ICE off our streets now!”
The incident took place in the Marble Hill neighborhood, a small area in Manhattan connected to the Bronx. Witnesses, including Pedro Almaraz, an employee at a nearby restaurant, reported hearing several gunshots and observing the man on the ground surrounded by officers wearing DHS-branded face masks and vests.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, expressed the need for federal authorities to provide a comprehensive and transparent account of the events leading to the shooting. She emphasized the importance of clarity and full disclosure for the residents of New York.
Videos and images shared on social media by bystanders depicted a man seated on the ground with his hands restrained following the shooting. Another video captured NYPD officers assisting an injured individual into a police vehicle, with a damaged car blocking the road visible in the background.
Agents at the scene, identifiable by their ICE badges, were shown in the videos, with one seen carrying a rifle. Mayor Mamdani condemned the situation, labeling it as “unconscionable and incredibly serious,” and vowed to urge the President to cease all ICE enforcement activities in the city to prevent further distress in the communities.