Dominican Republic National Pleads Guilty To Possession Of Ammunition By An Illegal Alien 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"), Michael Alfonso, and Director of the New York Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection ("CBP"), Frank Russo, announced today that MIGUEL FRANCISCO MORA NUNEZ pled guilty to possessing ammunition as an illegal alien in connection with the July 19, 2025, shooting of an off-duty CBP Officer in Manhattan. MORA NUNEZ pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 1, 2026.

"Miguel Mora Nunez shot a federal officer in the face," said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. "Gun-toting criminals threaten our families, our communities, and our law enforcement professionals, who strive every day to keep us safe. New Yorkers want criminals who use guns off the streets, and we are committed to delivering that result."

"Last year's shooting of an off-duty CBP officer was an attack on the greater law enforcement community and on the rule of law itself, and this guilty plea is a significant step toward holding the defendant accountable and making clear that such violence will not be tolerated," said HSI Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso. "Together with our vital partners, HSI New York will continue to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks, ensuring our city, and our country, remain safe."

"This guilty plea is an important step toward accountability for a brazen act of violence against one of our officers," said CBP's Director of New York Field Operations Frank Russo. "Our focus remains on the well-being and recovery of our colleague, and on safeguarding the men and women who serve our communities every day. We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the NYPD for their exceptional work. Their continued partnership helps keep New York City safer and ensures that those who commit violent acts are brought to justice."

As alleged in the charging instruments and statements made in public filings and public court proceedings:

On or about July 19, 2025, at approximately 11:50 p.m., MORA NUNEZ shot an off-duty CBP Officer in Fort Washington Park in Manhattan. 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 his co-defendant.

MORA NUNEZ entered the U.S. illegally, is in the U.S. unlawfully, and is subject to an order of removal from the U.S.

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MORA NUNEZ, 22, of the Dominican Republic, pled guilty to one count of possession of ammunition as an illegal alien, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Clayton thanked Homeland Security Investigations, CBP, and the New York City Police Department for their assistance in this case.

This case is being handled by the Office's General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mostafa Khairy, Samantha Fry, and Christy Slavik are in charge of the prosecution.