According to recent insights, two undocumented immigrants involved in the shooting of a border officer in Manhattan Park had been vetted through Zoom prior to their release into the U.S. under the Biden administration.
Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, a 21-year-old from the Dominican Republic, crossed the U.S.-Mexico border into Arizona in April 2023.
That month alone saw over 183,000 immigrants crossing the southern border, marking a significant surge.
Charles Marino, a former senior law enforcement advisor, remarked on the overwhelmed condition of the system, suggesting that the administration’s policies seemed aimed at rapidly processing as many undocumented individuals as possible.
Federal law enforcement sources indicated that due to the overwhelming situation, Border Patrol agents sought help from colleagues at the U.S.-Canada border.
A Homeland Security source described the virtual vetting process as “a nightmare,” arguing that it failed to ensure proper evaluations.
Despite these challenges, Mora Nunez was released into the U.S. because there was no detention space available and was expected to appear before an immigration judge.
While he was instructed to check in with his local Immigration and Customs Enforcement office, reports suggest he has not done so. Additionally, agents did not collect DNA samples from him, a standard procedure meant to check for criminal backgrounds, reportedly due to a shortage of swabs.
At the time, his name was checked against a law enforcement database and revealed no criminal history.
In 2023, an immigration judge ordered the deportation of Dominican nationals who failed to appear in court; however, Mora Nunez remained in the U.S. and was subsequently arrested multiple times in New York City and Massachusetts but was released each time.
As the influx of immigrants slowed during Trump’s presidency, the use of Zoom for processing was phased out.
Currently, Mora Nunez faces accusations of shooting a 42-year-old Customs and Border Protection officer in the face while in Fort Washington Park, where he was with a female companion.
His accomplice, Christian Aibar Bellore, 22, also an undocumented immigrant from the Dominican Republic, allegedly participated in the botched robbery.
Both individuals are expected to face federal charges.
During the incident, the unidentified border officer responded with gunfire, hitting Mora Nunez three times, according to officials.
After the shooting, Mora Nunez was later found trying to seek treatment at a Bronx hospital for a gunshot wound, while his accomplice fled the scene on a moped.
The border officer, who underwent surgery on Sunday, is reportedly in stable condition.
In the wake of the incident, Trump criticized the immigration policies that permitted Mora Nunez to remain in the country, labeling him as a “monster” released under Biden’s administration and highlighting the courage of the border officer involved.
