An off-duty Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer was shot during an attempted robbery in New York City, authorities confirmed, after confronting a suspect identified as Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez — a previously deported illegal immigrant with multiple active warrants.
The incident occurred late last week in a busy Manhattan neighborhood, when the off-duty officer reportedly intervened as Mora Nunez allegedly tried to rob a passerby. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Mora Nunez resisted arrest and opened fire, striking the CBP officer before fleeing the scene.
Immediate Response and Arrest
Emergency responders arrived swiftly to provide critical medical aid to the officer, who was transported to a nearby hospital and is currently in stable condition. Law enforcement agencies, collaborating across city and federal lines, launched a manhunt and apprehended Mora Nunez within 48 hours from the initial shooting.
Officials confirmed that Mora Nunez was apprehended without further incident. He faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, armed robbery, and weapons offenses.
Background on the Suspect
Authorities emphasize that Mora Nunez had been previously deported from the United States and was carrying out activities while unlawfully present. The DHS highlighted that he had several outstanding warrants related to prior criminal activities, underscoring concerns over repeat offenses by deported individuals.
Security and Immigration Concerns
This shooting has reignited debates over public safety, immigration enforcement, and the challenges agencies face in tracking and detaining individuals with criminal histories who re-enter the country. The CBP officer’s injury has drawn attention to the risks law enforcement personnel face, even off-duty.
“Our officers protect and serve the public daily, sometimes even in their personal time,” a DHS spokesperson stated. “We are committed to ensuring justice is served and that our communities remain safe.”
City and Federal Cooperation
New York City police, alongside federal agents, continue to work closely to process the case. Prosecutors have pledged to pursue charges aggressively, emphasizing the serious nature of the attack on a federal law enforcement officer.
Community Reactions
The shooting has sparked reactions throughout the city, with many expressing support for the injured officer and calls for increased measures to prevent similar incidents. Advocacy groups have also weighed in, urging policies balancing enforcement with humanitarian considerations.
Looking Forward
As the officer recovers, the investigation remains active. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in balancing national security, public safety, and immigration enforcement amid complex urban environments.
The case of Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez and the shooting of the off-duty CBP officer serve as a sobering reminder of the vital but often perilous role played by law enforcement personnel in protecting communities, both on and off duty.
