Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited an off-duty Customs and Border Protection officer who was shot during an attempted robbery in New York City. The incident occurred over the weekend when the officer was allegedly attacked in Manhattan’s Riverside Park. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the officer was struck in the face and forearm during the confrontation. Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, a Dominican national, was apprehended by Border Patrol in April 2023 and later released into the U.S., despite having an active deportation order. Nunez was also injured during the shootout and taken to a hospital in the Bronx. Noem expressed that Nunez had a previous criminal record, including a kidnapping warrant in Massachusetts and charges for assault, robbery, and stabbing. New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that Nunez was wanted for several crimes, including a stabbing in January and a robbery from last December, and will add attempted murder to his criminal record once charged.
President Donald Trump weighed in on the shooting Sunday afternoon, writing that “an incredible CBP Officer was shot in the face by an Illegal Alien Monster freed into the Country under Joe Biden.” “The CBP Officer bravely fought off his attacker, despite his wounds, demonstrating enormous Skill and Courage,” Trump wrote. The rhetoric from Trump highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding immigration policy and border security in the U.S. Noem, a prominent member of the Republican Party, has consistently criticized the previous administration’s approach to immigration, emphasizing the need for stricter border controls and enhanced enforcement.
Following the incident, Homeland Security issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to protecting law enforcement officers and ensuring the safety of American citizens. The agency is currently working with local authorities to track down the alleged accomplice of Nunez, who remains at large. The case has sparked renewed discussions about the intersection of immigration enforcement, public safety, and the role of federal agencies in addressing crime. Lawmakers from both parties are expected to weigh in on the incident, with some calling for increased funding for border security and others urging a more nuanced approach to criminal justice reform.
The shooting has also raised questions about the legal and ethical implications of releasing individuals with outstanding warrants and criminal records into the general population. Legal experts are debating whether the release of Nunez, who was apprehended and released under the previous administration, contributed to the incident. Meanwhile, the ongoing manhunt for his accomplice underscores the challenges faced by authorities in combating crimes involving undocumented immigrants. As the investigation continues, the incident is likely to impact the national conversation on immigration policy and law enforcement priorities in the coming weeks.