An off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent was shot in a New York park on Saturday, footage shows.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) named Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, as one of the suspects.
Nunez was initially detained by the United States Border Patrol (USPB) in April 2023 after crossing the southern border in Arizona, before later being released into the U.S..
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement: “This violent criminal illegal alien had multiple run-ins with NYPD for assault and felony grand larceny before he ambushed and shot a CBP officer.”
Stock image. An off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent was shot during a reported robbery in New York on Saturday, video shows.
Stock image. An off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent was shot during a reported robbery in New York on Saturday, video shows.
Eric Gay/AP
What To Know
A witness of the attack said that she and the victim were sitting on rocks by the water when two suspects drove up to them on a scooter, before the passenger got off and approached them with a drawn firearm, according to DHS.
The CBP officer, who has not been named, then drew his own firearm in self-defense.
The officer then sustained gunshot wounds to his right arm and left cheek, according to DHS. He is currently in stable condition and receiving treatment at the hospital.
Nunez has been arrested multiple times by law enforcement agencies since arriving in the U.S., according to DHS.
On October 11, 2023, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) charged him with felony grand larceny, petit larceny, and reckless driving.
In October 2024, he was arrested and charged with assault in the second and third degrees. He was also arrested for criminal contempt in November that year.
In January 2025, he was arrested again for criminal contempt. Meanwhile in February, the Leominster Police Department in Massachusetts issued a criminal warrant for his arrest in connection with an armed robbery involving a firearm.
Nunez was issued with a removal order in November 2024 after he failed to appear for an immigration hearing.
What People Are Saying
McLaughlin said in a statement: “The Biden Administration arrested this criminal illegal alien at the border and chose to release him into our country to terrorize Americans. We are thankful that our brave law enforcement officer is in stable condition.
“Sanctuary city politicians allowed this to happen. This suffering is a direct result of lawless sanctuary city policies. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, DHS will flood the zone in sanctuary cities and remove these criminals one by one. We will not be deterred: if you break America’s laws we will hunt you down, arrest you, and deport you.”
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott said in a post on X: “Our CBP Officer in NYC showed extraordinary courage last night – shot in the face by an illegal alien and still fought back to help bring his attacker into custody. This violent criminal never should’ve been on our streets. This is exactly why we fight every day to secure this nation. We’re praying for the officer & his family.”
New York Mayor Eric Adams said at a press conference: “He has inflicted violence in our city and once he is charged for last night’s crimes, we will be able to add attempted murder to his rap sheet.”
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Last night, in New York City, an incredible CBP Officer was shot in the face by an Illegal Alien Monster freed into the Country under Joe Biden. He was apprehended at the Border in April 2023 but, instead of being deported, was RELEASED. The CBP Officer bravely fought off his attacker, despite his wounds, demonstrating enormous Skill and Courage. The Democrats have flooded our Nation with Criminal Invaders, and now, they must all be thrown out or, in some cases, immediately prosecuted in that we cannot take a chance that they are able to come back. That’s how evil and dangerous they are.”