CBP Officer Shot in NYC: Noem Slams Sanctuary Policies for Rising Crime

In a shocking incident over the weekend, an off-duty Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer was shot in the face and arm during an attempted robbery in Manhattan’s Riverside Park. The brazen attack, carried out by two illegal immigrants with extensive criminal histories, has reignited fierce debate over sanctuary city policies and border security failures. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, after visiting the injured officer in the hospital, didn’t hold back in her criticism, pointing the finger squarely at policies that allowed these dangerous individuals to roam free.

The primary suspect, Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, a Dominican national apprehended by Border Patrol in April 2023, has a rap sheet that reads like a crime novel—arrested multiple times in New York City, yet released each time under sanctuary policies. The second suspect, Christhian Aybar-Berroa, also from the Dominican Republic, illegally entered the U.S. in 2022 and ignored a final removal order. Noem revealed that both men have ties to other violent crimes, including a chilling armed robbery in Massachusetts earlier this year where a store owner was bound and held at gunpoint.

“Zero reason for scum like this to be loose on our streets,” Noem declared, her frustration palpable as she called out New York City Mayor Eric Adams and other leaders of sanctuary cities for failing to protect their communities. She highlighted a pattern of ignored detainers and lax enforcement that, in her view, directly led to this tragedy. The officer, thankfully in stable condition, managed to defend himself with his service weapon, wounding one of the attackers in the process—a testament to his training and grit.

This incident isn’t just a local crime story; it’s a glaring spotlight on broader systemic issues. Noem and other officials, including acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, slammed the Biden administration’s border policies for enabling such criminals to enter and remain in the country. President Trump also weighed in, praising the officer’s bravery while condemning the release of what he called an “Illegal Alien Monster” under current federal oversight.

As the officer recovers, the question looms large: how many more lives must be shattered before policy changes? Noem’s plea to mayors and governors across the nation—to prioritize public safety over political posturing—echoes a growing frustration among many Americans watching their cities grapple with rising violence. This isn’t just about one shooting; it’s about a broken system begging for repair.