Two illegal immigrants have been formally indicted for attempted murder after they allegedly shot an off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer in the face during a robbery spree in New York City. The incident, which took place just before midnight on July 19, has triggered fierce backlash from conservatives and reignited criticism of sanctuary city policies.
The suspects—Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez and Christhian Aybar-Berroa—now face a slew of charges including first- and second-degree attempted murder, assault, robbery, and weapons violations. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg confirmed the indictments during a press conference on Wednesday alongside Mayor Eric Adams.
Bragg praised the CBP officer for showing “true bravery and quick action, even while off-duty,” adding that the suspects posed “a serious threat” to the city. Mayor Adams echoed the concern, saying the incident highlighted the dangers posed by repeat offenders with no regard for human life.
According to police reports, the officer was enjoying a quiet night at Fort Washington Park under the George Washington Bridge when the two suspects approached him and a friend on a moped. Mora allegedly drew a firearm and attempted to rob them—then opened fire, hitting the officer in the face and arm.
Despite his injuries, the officer managed to return fire, wounding one of the suspects. He is expected to survive, but the attack sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community.
Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Ricky Patel said, “When these individuals targeted one of our own—knowingly or not—they targeted all of us.” He called it a direct attack on law enforcement and vowed to pursue full justice.
Both suspects were confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security to be in the country illegally and already had criminal records. In fact, ICE sources believe they may be linked to a violent armed robbery in Massachusetts earlier this year where a store owner was tied up at gunpoint and two firearms were stolen.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and former ICE Director Tom Homan visited the wounded officer and placed the blame squarely on weak immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies. Homan declared, “Sanctuary cities are sanctuaries for criminals. President Trump is not going to tolerate it.”
President Donald Trump also weighed in, slamming Biden-era border policies for allowing violent criminals into the country. “An incredible CBP Officer was shot in the face by an Illegal Alien Monster freed into the Country under Joe Biden,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He praised the officer’s courage and skill, calling the defense a “brave fight” that likely saved lives.
New York Mayor Eric Adams, under pressure to explain how illegal immigrants with records managed to roam freely, distanced himself from the federal policy failures. “I have nothing to do with the rules that are put in place,” Adams said. “I just carry out the rules.”
The CBP shooting has recharged the debate over how sanctuary cities operate. In cities like New York, local law enforcement often refuses to cooperate with ICE detainer requests, even for violent or repeat offenders. Critics say this ties the hands of federal agents and puts American citizens at risk.
As the legal process unfolds, this case may serve as a turning point for immigration enforcement policies across the country. With two violent offenders behind bars and a federal officer recovering from life-threatening injuries, calls for tougher measures are only growing louder.
