On Monday, authorities arrested Cristian Aybar Berroa, the second illegal immigrant linked to the shooting of an off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer in New York City. Berroa, a Dominican national who unlawfully entered the United States on June 19, 2022, had been released into the country on interim parole pending his immigration hearing, as reported by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). His criminal history is extensive, with several arrests in New York City, including second-degree reckless endangerment and multiple larcenies. Despite an active ICE detainer, he was released by the New York City Department of Corrections after his April 2024 arrest and subsequently faced additional legal troubles.
Berroa’s legal saga continued with further arrests in February 2025 for reckless endangerment and driving offenses. He pled guilty to a petit larceny charge in June 2025 and was conditionally discharged, allowing him to remain free in New York City. Notably, a judge ordered a final removal for Berroa on January 3, 2023, but this did not prevent him from engaging in further criminal activities. Alongside Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, Berroa is now expected to face federal charges related to the shooting incident that transpired at Fort Washington Park.
Details surrounding the shooting indicate it was likely an attempted robbery. A witness reported that as she and the off-duty officer were enjoying a moment by the water, Berroa and another individual approached them with a drawn firearm. This prompted the officer to draw his weapon in self-defense, leading to the officer sustaining gunshot wounds to his right arm and left cheek. Fortunately, he is currently in stable condition in the hospital, according to DHS officials.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch provided further background on Berroa, stating he was involved in multiple scooter-related crimes. He reportedly engaged in a series of grand larcenies and robberies in the Bronx during March and April of 2024, which were believed to involve a scooter. Berroa’s illegal entry into the U.S. through Texas in 2022 linked him to a broader pattern of criminal behavior that has raised concerns among law enforcement officials.
Adding to Berroa’s notoriety, sources within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement revealed that he and Mora Nunez may be connected to an armed robbery in Leominster, Massachusetts, where a store owner was held at gunpoint. In this earlier incident, firearms were stolen, showcasing a troubling trend of violence associated with these individuals. The overlapping criminal activities underscore a growing issue regarding the enforcement of immigration policies and public safety.
In light of these events, critiques have emerged regarding the handling of illegal immigration and criminal offenses. Some officials, including South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, have pointed fingers at “sanctuary” policies, which they argue contribute to the ongoing cycle of crime involving undocumented immigrants. As the cases against Berroa and Mora Nunez unfold, the implications of these incidents will likely continue to spur discussions about immigration reform, law enforcement practices, and the safety of communities.
