Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited the off-duty Customs and Border Protection officer who was shot in New York City on Saturday night, blaming sanctuary policies for allowing the suspect to remain in the country and commit the attack. The officer, who was allegedly involved in an attempted robbery, is reported to be in stable condition at a hospital. Noem criticized local city and state leaders, including Mayor Eric Adams of New York, for failing to enforce detainers and releasing criminals who had active warrants. She argued that sanctuary city policies are allowing dangerous individuals to continue to pose risks to public safety.
The suspect, Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, a Dominican national, was previously detained by U.S. Border Patrol in April 2023 and had a criminal record in New York. Noem claimed that despite multiple arrests and outstanding warrants, Nunez was not detained due to the enforcement of sanctuary city policies. She described the suspect as a ‘scum of the earth’ who should not be ‘running loose on the streets of New York City.’
Other individuals involved in the shooting, including Christhian Aybar-Berroa, a Dominican immigrant who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022, were also criticized for their actions and their failure to comply with immigration laws. Noem pointed out that Aybar-Berroa had a criminal record in New York and that detainers were ignored due to the sanctuary policies implemented by city officials. She called on all mayors and sanctuary city leaders to change their policies to protect public safety.
Following the shooting, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed the details of the incident, stating that the victim, an off-duty CBP officer, was shot in the face and forearm by the two suspects during an attempted robbery. The officer was able to defend himself and wound one of the perpetrators, who was subsequently arrested. Noem expressed her support for the officer, emphasizing the importance of his training and courage in the face of danger.
Mayor Eric Adams, in response, described the suspect as a ’21-year-old male with prior arrests for assault and violating an order of protection.’ He noted that Nunez had an active bench warrant for a robbery from December and a stabbing from January. Adams promised to add attempted murder to Nunez’s criminal record following a formal charge.
President Donald Trump also commented on the incident, calling the suspect an ‘Illegal Alien Monster’ who was ‘freed into the Country under Joe Biden.’ He praised the officer for his bravery in facing the attacker and emphasized the importance of strong border policies to prevent such incidents. The shooting has reignited political discussions about immigration, public safety, and the role of sanctuary cities in the United States.