Suspected getaway driver in NYC shooting of border agent taken into custody amid debate over sanctuary city policies.
In a continued response to a violent incident in Washington Heights, the suspected getaway driver related to the shooting of an off-duty Customs and Border Protection agent was remanded in a Manhattan federal court on Friday. Christhian Aybar-Berroa, aged 22, has been charged by federal prosecutors as an accessory after the fact in the case. During his court appearance before Manhattan Judge Ona Wang, Aybar-Berroa’s public defender opted not to request his release.
The alleged shooter, Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, 21, has also been charged by federal authorities with one count of possession of ammunition by an illegal alien. Mora Nunez is expected to make his court appearance at a later date. Both men are originally from the Dominican Republic and have been highlighted by high-ranking officials within the Trump administration as examples of what they describe as a concerning increase in violent crime involving undocumented immigrants.
The charges against Aybar-Berroa and Mora Nunez were notably referenced in a recent lawsuit filed by the federal government against New York City, seeking to challenge the city’s sanctuary status. This legal action emphasizes the administration’s efforts to curb immigration policies that it views as permissive. Analysis from The City, which reviewed data related to the arrests of undocumented immigrants in Manhattan since the Trump administration intensified its deportation efforts, revealed that most individuals detained had no prior accusations or convictions related to criminal offenses.
According to the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s office, Mora Nunez is alleged to have shot the off-duty Customs and Border Protection agent in the face and arm during a confrontation in Fort Washington Park on the previous Saturday. The agent, whose name has not been disclosed, is reported to be in stable condition following hospitalization. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Mora Nunez dismounting a moped to confront the agent and his girlfriend before the altercation escalated and shots were fired.
Authorities contend that Mora Nunez sustained injuries during the incident and that Aybar-Berroa assisted him in fleeing the scene, allegedly transporting the injured shooter to a hospital via moped. In a statement, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg confirmed that his office is preparing to file state charges against both individuals following coordination with federal prosecutors.
If convicted, Mora Nunez faces a potential maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, while Aybar-Berroa could receive up to seven years. The developing case continues to attract considerable attention, underlining the broader national debate surrounding immigration and public safety.
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