The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said both men were previously apprehended and released at the southern border and had active deportation orders at the time of the shooting, per Fox News' Bill Melugin.
DHS also confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers placed on both men had been ignored due to sanctuary policies, allowing them to remain in the country despite prior arrests.
The two suspects are identified as Miguel Francisco Mora Munez, who was released by federal authorities in April 2023, and Christhian Aybar-Berroa, who entered in 2022 and was also released. Both men are now in custody following their alleged involvement in the attempted robbery and shooting of the CBP officer.
The victim, a 42-year-old off-duty CBP officer, was shot late Saturday night during a confrontation at Fort Washington Park in Manhattan. The incident occurred just before midnight near the base of the George Washington Bridge, close to the Little Red Lighthouse. NYPD officers responded to the scene around 11:50 pm and found the officer with gunshot wounds to his face and arm. He was transported to NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem in stable condition and is expected to recover.
According to law enforcement, one of the suspects was also wanted for an active kidnapping warrant out of Massachusetts and had prior felony arrests, according to Fox News.
Video of the attempted robbery circulated on social media, showing the moment the officer was shot. The footage helped lead to the arrests.
President Donald Trump slammed Biden over the incident in a Truth Social post, writing: “Last night, in New York City, an incredible CBP Officer was shot in the face by an Illegal Alien Monster freed into the Country under Joe Biden. He was apprehended at the Border in April 2023 but, instead of being deported, was RELEASED.”
