An ICE agent involved in a shooting in Manhattan has a history of alleged illegal arrests and use of force in operations in New York and Minneapolis. According to a WIRED investigation, ICE supervisor Brenden Cuni, who was seen brandishing a weapon on scene, has been involved in several controversial arrests and violent incidents. Federal court cases and social media posts reveal a troubling pattern of misconduct.
Cuni, promoted to the National Fugitive Operations team in 2025, has faced multiple lawsuits alleging violent arrests. In one case, he allegedly tripped a man, causing a broken tooth, and shocked him with a Taser six times. In another, he was accused of forcing a pregnant woman to the ground during a Minneapolis operation. Judges have repeatedly found his arrests unlawful, citing false statements and lack of evidence.
The shooting of Oscar Belgal near Marble Hill raises significant questions about the agency’s enforcement practices. The incident involved multiple shots fired by ICE agents, raising concerns about their use of force. The Department of Homeland Security claims they were trying to apprehend an undocumented immigrant, but the legal challenges to Cuni’s actions suggest a more complex story.
The history of ICE’s National Fugitive Operations team, under scrutiny for alleged abuses, highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement. As the agency faces growing criticism, the actions of its agents demand closer inspection.







