Border Patrol Agent Shot in NYC: The Incident and Immediate Aftermath
According to NYPD reports, Mora Nunez and an accomplice approached the 42-year-old CBP officer and his female companion on a moped near Riverside Drive and 158th Street. The suspects initiated an armed robbery attempt, leading to a violent confrontation. Mora Nunez allegedly fired multiple shots, striking the agent in the face and forearm. Despite his injuries, the agent returned fire, hitting Mora Nunez before the assailants fled.
The wounded agent was rushed to New York-Presbyterian Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. Doctors expect a full recovery—a testament to his resilience. Meanwhile, Mora Nunez sought treatment for gunshot wounds at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, where police apprehended him hours later. His accomplice remains at large, prompting an active NYPD manhunt.
Federal immigration records confirm Mora Nunez crossed the U.S.-Mexico border near San Luis, Arizona, on April 4, 2023. Despite receiving a deportation order, he was released under current policies and relocated to New York. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had issued a detainer request for Mora Nunez following prior arrests, but local authorities did not honor it due to New York’s sanctuary policies.
Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez: Criminal History and Systemic Failures
Mora Nunez’s rap sheet reveals a pattern of escalating violence that critics argue should have prevented this tragedy. Court documents show four prior arrests in New York City alone:
- August 2024: Arrested for assaulting a pregnant woman
- September 2024: Charged with threatening a migrant with a machete
- November 2024: Detained for violating a protection order
- January 2025: Bench warrant issued after failing to appear in court
Each time, he was released under New York’s bail reform laws, which restrict cash bail for many non-violent offenses. At the time of the shooting, Mora Nunez was also wanted in Massachusetts for kidnapping and weapons charges.
Former ICE Director Tom Homan condemned the revolving-door policies: “This suspect exploited loopholes at every turn. Sanctuary cities and no-bail releases create deadly consequences.” Homan’s analysis aligns with Department of Homeland Security data showing over 1.3 million deportation cases currently backlogged in immigration courts.
Political Repercussions and National Security Concerns
The shooting has amplified calls for policy overhauls. New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated, “This case exposes flaws in our immigration and justice systems,” while Governor Kathy Hochul faces pressure to revisit bail statutes. Republican leaders seized on the incident, with South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem tweeting: “Mora Nunez re-entered and was released under Biden—this is preventable.”
CBP Commissioner Chris Magnus emphasized the human cost: “Our agent served honorably. This violence against law enforcement is unacceptable.” The injured agent, a 12-year veteran, remains unnamed pending the investigation.
Federal prosecutors have charged Mora Nunez with attempted murder, armed robbery, and firearm violations. ICE has lodged a detainer to take him into federal custody if released locally.
Must Know
Q1: How did Miguel Mora Nunez enter the United States?
A1: Mora Nunez crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally near San Luis, Arizona, on April 4, 2023. U.S. Border Patrol apprehended him but released him under existing protocols while his immigration case proceeded—a common practice due to limited detention capacity.
Q2: Why wasn’t he deported earlier despite criminal arrests?
A2: New York’s sanctuary policies limit cooperation with ICE detainers. Even with a deportation order, local jails didn’t transfer Mora Nunez to ICE after his prior arrests. Federal court backlogs further delayed removal proceedings.
Q3: What charges does Mora Nunez face?
A3: He faces state charges including attempted murder and armed robbery. Federally, he could be charged with illegal re-entry and firearm offenses. Massachusetts also seeks him for outstanding warrants.
Q4: What’s the status of the injured Border Patrol agent?
A4: The 42-year-old agent sustained facial and arm injuries but is expected to fully recover after surgery. He’s been with CBP for over a decade.
Q5: How did NYC’s bail reform laws factor into this case?
A5: Mora Nunez benefited from New York’s 2019 bail reforms, which eliminated cash bail for many non-violent charges. His prior arrests didn’t qualify for pre-trial detention under current statutes.
Q6: Is the accomplice still at large?
A6: Yes. NYPD describes the second suspect as a Hispanic male aged 20–25. A $10,000 reward is offered for information leading to his arrest.
The shooting of a Border Patrol agent in NYC by a migrant with a deportation order underscores catastrophic gaps in America’s immigration and justice systems. As Mora Nunez awaits trial, this case must catalyze bipartisan solutions prioritizing public safety over politics. Contact your representatives to demand accountability—before the next preventable tragedy.
