An illegal migrant with a long criminal history ambushed an off-duty border patrol agent in New York City on July 19, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Monday. The agent, who was shot in the arm and cheek, is recovering from the attack that Noem blamed squarely on sanctuary city policies and the Biden administration’s border failures.
The ambush occurred in Fort Washington Park under the George Washington Bridge. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Miguel Francisco Mora, is an illegal alien from the Dominican Republic who was apprehended at the southern border in 2023 and released into the U.S. under Biden’s catch-and-release policies.
According to a DHS report, the attack began as an attempted robbery. Mora and an accomplice approached the off-duty officer and his female companion on a scooter. Mora allegedly drew a firearm and was shot by the border agent in self-defense. The agent was wounded in the process.
Secretary Noem detailed Mora’s extensive criminal record, which includes charges of grand larceny, assault, armed robbery, kidnapping, and witness intimidation. Despite being arrested four times in New York City, he was released due to the city’s sanctuary policies.
“This is someone who should never have been walking the streets of New York City,” said Noem. “These sanctuary city policies have directly endangered the lives of American citizens and law enforcement.”
In a follow-up announcement, Noem confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) also apprehended the second suspect on Monday morning. The individual, Christhian Aybar-Berroa, is another illegal alien from the Dominican Republic who entered the U.S. in 2022 and was ordered deported in 2023. ICE detainers were ignored by New York City authorities.
Noem emphasized that both suspects benefitted from the Biden administration’s lax immigration enforcement and Mayor Eric Adams’ sanctuary policies. “Our officer is now in the hospital fighting for his life because of policies that protect criminals over law-abiding citizens,” she said.
ICE officials continue to investigate the criminal networks enabling violent illegals to remain in U.S. cities.
