Border agent shot in NYC park: Suspect had deportation order; Trump blames Biden policy

An off-duty US Border Patrol agent was shot and injured late Sunday night in a New York City park beneath the George Washington Bridge . Authorities said one person is in custody and under investigation in connection with the shooting.

The officer was reportedly shot in the face during a robbery by a moped-riding suspect in New York City and the officer returned fire, wounding the assailant, reports the New York Post.

“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. The CBP Officer bravely fought off his attacker, despite his wounds, demonstrating enormous Skill and Courage,” US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social.

The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, a Dominican national, has a long arrest record in New York, according to sources. Despite an existing deportation order , he was reportedly released each time he was taken into custody.

Mora reportedly entered the US illegally via the southern border, as per the department of homeland security. When he was apprehended crossing the border, he was released due to overcrowding at a detention facility and given a notice to appear before a judge at a later date.

Sources said an immigration judge issued a removal order against him in 2023, as per the New York Post.

The shooting took place at approximately 11.51 pm (local time) on Saturday when the 42-year-old federal border patrol agent was sitting in the park with a female companion when they were ambushed by two men on a moped.

Following a brief confrontation and struggle, one of the moped-riding suspects opened fire, striking the victim in the face and left forearm.

Mora was struck three times by the return fire when the agent drew his pistol and fired multiple rounds at the assailant.

The agent was taken to Harlem Hospital where he was recovering as of Sunday and is expected to survive, as per the police, reports ABC News.

“Our goal is to get dangerous people off the streets. And we have done that with our federal partners. You know of the number of dangerous gang take downs we’ve participated in. Whatever we need to do in our federal laws to ensure that dangerous people are not on our streets, federal authorities need to do that,” said Mayor Eric Adams.

Mora was previously arrested twice within days in August 2024 when he allegedly assaulted a pregnant woman and threatened another migrant with a machete. He was arrested in November 2024 for breaking an order of protection, and in January, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest, as per sources, reports the New York Post.