Dominican Republic Nationals Charged In Connection With Shooting Of Off-Duty Federal Customs And Border Protection Officer

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton; Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Ricky J. Patel; and Director of the New York Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”), Francis J. Russo, announced today the filing of a Complaint charging MIGUEL FRANCISCO MORA NUNEZ and CHRISTHIAN AYBAR-BERROA in connection with the shooting of an off-duty CBP Officer.  The incident occurred on July 19, 2025, in Manhattan, New York.  AYBAR-BERROA was arrested today and will be presented tomorrow before Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang.

“As alleged, Miguel Mora Nunez and Christhian Aybar-Berroa came to a New York City park and Mora Nunez opened fire—hitting a federal officer in the face,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Gun violence will not go unanswered.  Our office will relentlessly pursue anyone who threatens the safety of New Yorkers and the federal officers sworn to protect them.”

“As alleged, these defendants entered and spent years in our country illegally, and their criminal activity culminated in Saturday night’s near-deadly attack on one of our own,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel.  “Today’s announcement underscores HSI New York’s tireless commitment to answers, and ultimately justice on behalf of our DHS family, alongside our partners from CBP, the NYPD, and the United States Attorney's Office for Southern District of New York.  As we continue to hope for the speedy recovery of the CBP officer, we will leave no stone unturned – we owe that much to the law enforcement community and the American public at-large.”

"Our officer demonstrated extraordinary bravery and professionalism in the face of imminent danger," said CBP Director Francis J. Russo. "His quick and decisive actions taken not only saved the officer's life but also saved the life of his girlfriend and took a dangerous criminal off the streets, preventing further harm to the community.  We are immensely proud of our officer's actions and dedication to duty.  Our thoughts and prayers are with him and the family, and we are hopeful for a full recovery.  We thank the Southern District of New York, HSI, and the New York City Police Department for their collaboration and partnership.  Their actions have been instrumental in saving our officer's life and in assisting with apprehending the suspects." 

According to the allegations contained in the Complaint:^[1]

On or about July 19, 2025, MORA NUNEZ shot an off-duty CBP Officer in Fort Washington Park in Manhattan, New York.  A bullet MORA NUNEZ fired struck the CBP Officer in the face and right arm.  The CBP Officer appeared to return fire, hitting MORA NUNEZ twice, before MORA NUNEZ fled on a motorbike driven by AYBAR-BERROA.  AYBAR-BERROA drove MORA NUNEZ to a hospital.  AYBAR-BERROA later tried to get rid of the clothing he was wearing during the shooting because it was bloody, and discussed with a relative of MORA NUNEZ that they needed to get rid of AYBAR-BERROA's bloody clothes. 

Both MORA NUNEZ and AYBAR-BERROA entered the U.S. illegally, are in the U.S. unlawfully, and are subject to orders of removal from the U.S.

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MORA NUNEZ, 21, of the Dominican Republic, is charged with one count of possession of ammunition by an illegal alien, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, and AYBAR-BERROA, 22, also of the Dominican Republic, is charged with accessory after the fact, which carries a maximum sentence of seven and a half years in prison.

The maximum sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Clayton thanked the New York City Police Department and Customs and Border Protection for their assistance in this case.

This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mostafa Khairy is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.