Illegal immigrant arrested for allegedly shooting CBP officer in NYC was wanted in Massachusetts for armed kidnapping, robbery

Rick Sobey, Boston Herald on Jul 21, 2025

Published in News & Features

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The illegal immigrant arrested for allegedly ambushing and shooting a Customs and Border Protection officer in New York City has been wanted in Massachusetts for armed kidnapping and robbery.

Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez is accused of shooting an off-duty CBP officer in the face and arm on Saturday night while in Fort Washington Park under the George Washington Bridge.

Back in February, Leominster Police had issued a criminal warrant for Nunez for armed kidnapping and robbery with a firearm.

The reported robbery was at a jewelry repair store Sam & Friends, where the shop owner told police that a suspect taped his wrists, ankles and mouth — and made him lay on the ground. The shop owner reported that about $50,000 worth of jewelry was stolen, while Nunez was pointing a gun at the owner’s head.

Nunez “has a rap sheet that is a mile long,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said during a press conference on Monday.

“There’s absolutely zero reason that someone who is scum of the earth like this should be running loose on the streets of New York City,” she added, blaming the city’s sanctuary policies for the officer’s injuries.

Nunez was wanted on six charges for the Massachusetts incident earlier this year: armed robbery (firearm); armed kidnapping (firearm); assault with a dangerous weapon (firearm); larceny over $1,200; larceny from a person; and intimidation of a witness.

Now, Nunez is in the custody of NYPD following the weekend shooting.

“The Leominster Police Department extends its sincere wishes for a full and swift recovery to the injured CBP Officer,” Leominster Police said in a statement. “We also want to commend his bravery and courage under fire.”

A witness of the alleged NYC attack — believed to be an attempted robbery — told police that she and the victim were sitting on the rocks by the water when two people on a scooter drove up to them. The passenger got off the back and approached them with a gun drawn.

The off-duty CBP officer responded by withdrawing his own gun in self-defense, according to DHS.

The CBP officer was shot in his right arm and left cheek. The officer was reported to be in stable condition at the hospital.

“We will be lifting him up in prayer for his quick recovery and his healing from this terrible tragedy that has befallen him,” Noem said.

Nunez is from the Dominican Republic. He illegally entered the U.S. on April 4, 2023, according to DHS.

In addition to the allegations in Leominster, Nunez has a lengthy rap sheet.

NYPD arrested and charged him in October 2023 with felony grand larceny, petit larceny, and reckless driving. A year later in October 2024, NYPD arrested and charged Nunez with second- and third-degree assault. Then a month later, NYPD arrested Nunez for criminal contempt, and in January, he was again attested for criminal contempt.

After failing to show up for his immigration hearing, a judge issued Nunez a final order of removal on Nov. 6, 2024.

“This violent criminal illegal alien had multiple run-ins with NYPD for assault and felony grand larceny before he ambushed and shot a CBP officer,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “The Biden Administration arrested this criminal illegal alien at the border and chose to release him into our country to terrorize Americans.

“We are thankful that our brave law enforcement officer is in stable condition,” she added. “Sanctuary city politicians allowed this to happen. This suffering is a direct result of lawless sanctuary city policies. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, DHS will flood the zone in sanctuary cities and remove these criminals one by one. We will not be deterred: if you break America’s laws we will hunt you down, arrest you, and deport you.”

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