AOC calls for ‘full and independent investigation’ into Bronx ICE shooting — while blaming Target for aiding feds

By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-10-09 11:18:51 | Updated at 2026-10-09 12:54:38 2 hours ago

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New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is demanding a “full and independent investigation” into the ICE shooting of a suspected illegal-migrant gang member in the Bronx — and blasted Target for assisting federal immigration officers.

AOC lashed out as protesters took to the streets over the shooting of the suspected Trinitarios member shot in the neck in his car by federal agents in Marble Hill Thursday afternoon while a 5-year-old boy, believed to be his son, sat in the backseat.

“ICE’s already unwelcome presence in our city has been growing more escalatory and dangerous by the day. Today’s shooting is a grave development that requires a swift and immediate response to protect the safety of all New Yorkers,” she said in a statement Thursday night.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called for a ‘full and independent investigation’ into the ICE-involved shooting of a criminal illegal immigrant in the Bronx on Oct. 8, 2026. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
A man is detained after ICE agents shot a “criminal illegal” migrant in the Bronx on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Pedro Almarez via REUTERS
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., speaks to reporters after participating in a roundtable on data centers at Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction, New York, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026. Getty Images

“First, we must have a full and independent investigation of this incident,” followed by a “full and immediate release of all body camera footage of the incident,” she said.

The democratic socialist also accused retail giant Target of assisting ICE agents.

“In addition, the Target Corporation must stop offering their Bronx properties as private staging sites for ICE, in compliance with requests from New York officials,” she said.

“Target opening up large, active retail parking lots for paramilitary activity is unacceptable and places the entire community at risk.”
There is a Target store and parking lot about half a mile from where the shooting occurred.

“ICE is a rogue, lawless paramilitary and surveillance agency,” the congresswoman raged. “It does not belong in New York City and it should not exist in the United States of America. Abolish ICE.”

Federal agents detain the criminal illegal immigrant shot in the Marble Hill section of the Bronx. Obtained by the NY Post

The 28-year-old migrant was identified by the NYPD as Oscar Belgal, whom the DHS alleged has ties to the Trinitarios gang.

He was shot around 4:20 p.m. on Marble Hill Avenue as federal agents attempted to take him into custody.

He is expected to survive and was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital for treatment before he was later whisked away in an unmarked ICE vehicle late Thursday night, officials said.

The young boy, who has not been identified but is believed to be Belgal’s son, was not injured.

Protesters hold up signs outside the New York-Presbyterian Allen Hospital, where the wounded illegal immigrant was transported after being shot during an apparent ICE operation in the Bronx on Oct. 8, 2026. Christopher Sadowski for NY Post

Belgal has previous convictions for grand larceny, and multiple prior arrests for assault, robbery, possession of drugs, and weapons possession, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

The feds were investigating whether the wounded man is tied to the migrant moped gang that shot an off-duty border patrol agent at Fort Washington Park last year, sources said.

Protesters and law enforcement officers clash close to the scene where Oscar Belgal was shot by an ICE agent on Thursday, October 8, 2026. AFP via Getty Images

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he tried to negotiate with President Trump to have Belgal released while calling for ICE to be abolished.

“This is an unconscionable and incredibly serious situation. I have called the President; when we speak I will demand that he ends all ICE enforcement actions in our city. I will not stand by while ICE agents terrorize our communities,” Hizzoner said.

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