An ICE shooting in New York has sparked protests and political condemnation after a federal immigration officer shot and wounded a Dominican man during an arrest in the Marble Hill neighbourhood on Thursday, October 8. The man survived and was taken to hospital for treatment.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described the incident as a targeted enforcement operation, confirming that an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer discharged a weapon and injured the man.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the shooting “unconscionable and incredibly serious”, while Governor Kathy Hochul said the state wanted answers. Both officials said they had received reports that the man was inside a vehicle with a five-year-old child when agents opened fire. The child was reportedly unharmed.
Protests Erupt Outside Hospital
The shooting occurred at around 4 pm. A nearby restaurant worker, Pedro Almaraz, said he heard three or four gunshots before seeing a man on the ground surrounded by officers wearing masks and Department of Homeland Security-branded vests.
Videos shared on social media showed a man sitting on the ground with his hands behind his back. Another clip appeared to show police officers carrying an injured man into a police vehicle.
Local politicians condemned the incident during a tense press conference. City Council member Carmen De La Rosa said the community was “heartbroken and enraged”.
Demonstrators chanted “ICE off our streets now!” and marched towards the hospital treating the injured man. Some protesters later pushed police barricades and threw water bottles at officers. Police made several arrests.
DHS Defends Enforcement Operation
DHS described the injured man as a “criminal illegal alien”, citing a previous grand larceny conviction and other arrests. The agency also criticised sanctuary policies in Democratic-led areas, arguing that officers face unpredictable and dangerous situations during arrests.
The incident has renewed scrutiny of ICE's use of firearms during vehicle stops. In late September, the agency reportedly instructed officers not to engage in high-speed car chases and to conduct vehicle stops only after completing specific training.
Hochul said immigrant communities were frightened and demanded accountability. Residents also raised concerns about officers' identification and transparency, questioning how members of the public could reliably distinguish federal agents from others carrying weapons.
The shooting has intensified debate over federal immigration enforcement, officer training and public safety in New York City.
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