Federal Charges Filed Against Two Immigrants in Shooting Case

The Trump administration has filed federal charges against two undocumented immigrants accused of shooting and killing a border officer in New York City.

On Thursday, federal prosecutors charged Miguel Francisco Mora Nuñez with being an illegal immigrant and with aiding and abetting, while Christian Eval Velour faces charges for possession of ammunition. Both men are Dominican nationals living unlawfully in the U.S. and are alleged to have attacked a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer during a robbery in early July.

On that fateful day, it’s said that Mora Nuñez fired at the officer in a New York park. This incident has raised serious concerns about gun violence in the area. “Gun violence will not go unanswered,” said an official from the prosecutor’s office. “We are committed to pursuing those who endanger the safety of New Yorkers and federal officers.”

Prosecutors detailed how Mora Nuñez and Iver Bello allegedly ambushed CBP officers in Washington Park on July 19. There was an attempt to rob the officer, during which Mora Nuñez shot at him but was met with return fire, injuring Mora Nuñez.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released security camera footage from the incident.

Both suspects were taken into custody on Monday, and the DHS has confirmed their lengthy criminal histories in New York City. Mora Nuñez had previous arrests for several serious offenses, including grand larceny and reckless driving, dating back to 2023, and he faced multiple charges over the subsequent years.

Velour also has an extensive record, including arrests for reckless endangerment and theft, and had been repeatedly re-arrested despite the existing immigrant deterrent policies.

This situation occurs amidst rising tensions between the Trump administration and New York City officials. The ongoing incidents involving off-duty CBP officers have led to renewed scrutiny of the city’s sanctuary policies, which limit the cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.