The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released surveillance footage and new details surrounding a Saturday night shooting in which an off-duty U.S. Border Patrol agent was ambushed and shot by two suspects—one of whom is an illegal migrant with a criminal record and a prior deportation order.
The incident occurred just before midnight on July 19 in Fort Washington Park, Manhattan. According to officials, the agent was with a female companion when two men approached on a moped and attempted an armed robbery. During the confrontation, the suspects opened fire. The off-duty agent was struck in the mouth but returned fire, hitting one of the assailants.
UPDATE: footage shows two assailants, one an illegal alien with criminal charges, ambushing and shooting a @CBP officer yesterday in New York City. pic.twitter.com/m4BHRjhXpD
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) July 20, 2025
DHS later identified the wounded suspect as Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, an illegal entrant who had previously been apprehended and released in Arizona. Mora Nunez has a criminal record that includes felony assault charges and had been ordered deported. Despite this, he remained in the country unlawfully.
Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin confirmed on social media that Mora Nunez had re-entered the U.S. illegally. She also revealed that the second suspect—still unidentified—has an outstanding kidnapping warrant from Massachusetts. DHS described the incident as a targeted robbery attempt and noted that both suspects were armed.
Photos of Miguel Francisco Mora Munez, courtesy of DHS: pic.twitter.com/CEwtNANUgE
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) July 20, 2025
The NYPD is leading the investigation. Radio communications posted online confirm that the agent sustained a gunshot wound to the face and is currently hospitalized in stable condition.
“This was not just a random crime—it was an act of violence perpetrated by an individual who should not have been in the United States to begin with,” McLaughlin stated.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem is scheduled to hold a press conference in New York City at 9 a.m. Monday to address the shooting and provide further updates.
