Two illegal immigrants have been arrested in connection with the shooting of an off-duty Customs and Border Protection officer after allegedly planning a robbery spree over WhatsApp. Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, 21, is facing attempted murder charges in an 11-count indictment, while his accomplice, Christhian Aybar-Berroa, 22, has been indicted on robbery, assault, and weapon charges.
The incident took place inside Fort Washington Park on July 19, where the 42-year-old CBP officer was shot in the face during a botched robbery. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg praised the officer for his brave actions that likely prevented future crimes.
According to prosecutors, the duo had planned the robbery over WhatsApp, with Mora Nunez and Aybar-Berroa riding a moped into the park and first robbing a woman of her cellphone. They then targeted the off-duty CBP officer and another person sitting on a jetty facing the water under the George Washington Bridge.
Mora Nunez approached the officer, unaware of his CBP affiliation, and pointed a gun at his head. In self-defense, the officer fired back, hitting Mora Nunez in the thigh and groin. The officer sustained injuries to his face, hand, and wrist and is currently recovering in the hospital.
Both Mora Nunez and Aybar-Berroa had crossed the US-Mexico border illegally and were released pending immigration hearings. They had also been arrested multiple times by the NYPD but were not detained.
Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Ricky J. Patel emphasized that if the pair had been deported or not allowed to remain in the country, the tragedy would have been prevented. The collaboration between the NYPD, federal law enforcement, and Manhattan prosecutors led to the arrest and indictment of the suspects.
Mayor Eric Adams commended the efforts to bring the criminals to justice and highlighted the dangers posed by repeat criminal offenders. The case will be prosecuted at both the state and federal levels, ensuring that justice is served for the attempted murder of the CBP officer.
