Two suspects arrested after shooting of off-duty customs officer in Manhattan

A second suspect was arrested in the shooting incident involving an off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer that occurred in Manhattan over the weekend. Investigations revealed that the customs officer had been sitting with a woman in a park under the George Washington Bridge when two men approached on a moped, initiating a robbery attempt. In response, the customs officer drew his service weapon to defend himself, leading to an exchange of gunfire where he sustained injuries to his face and arm, while one of the suspects, Miguel Mora, was shot in the groin and leg, prompting him to seek medical attention at a hospital in the Bronx. Authorities, including U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, have indicated that the officer, who remains unnamed, is recovering in the hospital and is expected to survive the incident. Noem provided context that all parties involved have significant criminal histories, notably Christhian Aybar-Berroa, identified as the getaway driver. Aybar-Berroa reportedly entered the U.S. illegally from the Dominican Republic and has faced multiple arrests for crimes such as grand larceny, domestic violence, robbery, and felony assault. Noem criticized the continued presence of such individuals on the streets, expressing frustration over the failure of immigration detainers being enforced despite prior deportation orders. The police commissioner announced that Aybar-Berroa has been arrested at least eight times since his arrival in 2022, facing pending cases as well. Both suspects have gained significant attention due to their criminal activities, leading to discussions about immigration policies and public safety in New York. In light of the incident, Mayor Eric Adams distanced himself from sanctuary city policies that some officials, including Noem, blame for enabling repeat offenders to remain in the city. The shooting raises critical questions about the implications of immigration reform and law enforcement practices involving illegal immigrants with lengthy criminal records. The event has sparked widespread news coverage, resulting in calls for more stringent immigration policies and potential reforms to public safety measures in New York City. Law enforcement and city officials are under pressure to address the circumstances surrounding this incident and enhance measures to protect citizens from individuals with established violent backgrounds.