Former President Donald Trump is sounding the alarm over violent crime in American cities after a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer was shot during an attempted robbery in New York City over the weekend. The alleged shooter, identified as undocumented immigrant Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, was taken into custody following the incident in Manhattan’s Riverside Park.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump blamed soft-on-crime policies and illegal immigration for endangering law enforcement officers and the public.
“Crime in American Cities started to significantly rise when they went to CASHLESS BAIL. The WORST criminals are flooding our streets and endangering even our great law enforcement officers. It is a complete disaster, and must be ended, IMMEDIATELY!” Trump wrote.
CBP Officer Shot; Suspect Previously Caught by Border Patrol
The officer was reportedly struck in the face and arm on Saturday night, July 19. According to Fox News, the suspect, Mora Nunez, had previously been apprehended by Border Patrol in April 2023 but was released. He had also been arrested four times in New York City before the shooting.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem: ‘Sanctuary Policies Are to Blame’
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited the injured officer and criticized New York’s sanctuary city policies, accusing them of allowing repeat offenders like Mora Nunez to roam free.
“There’s absolutely zero reason that someone who is scum of the earth like this should be running loose on the streets of New York City,” Noem said. “Because of the mayor’s policies and sanctuary city protections, he was released—again and again—to do harm.”
She called on city and state leaders to abandon sanctuary policies, emphasizing that public safety must come first.
“How many more lives will it take? How many more people have to be hurt and victimized before we have real public safety?” she added, directly criticizing Mayor Eric Adams. “It breaks my heart to see the families that have suffered because of his policies.”
Broader Implications
The shooting has reignited the national debate over immigration enforcement and criminal justice reform. Trump and Noem argue that lenient policies, like cashless bail and sanctuary protections, are fueling crime waves and putting officers at risk.
With the 2026 midterms on the horizon, the case is likely to become another flashpoint in the broader battle over border security and law enforcement priorities.
