The second illegal immigrant suspect arrested Monday in the shooting of an off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer in New York City over the weekend has a lengthy criminal background, officials said. 

Cristian Aybar Berroa of the Dominican Republic “illegally entered the United States on June 19, 2022, and was released into the country on interim parole pending his immigration hearing,” according to the Department of Homeland Security.

He then allegedly committed a litany of crimes in New York City, including arrests for 2nd degree reckless endangerment in May 2023 and 4th degree felony grand larceny and petit larceny in March and April 2024, officials said. 

Following the April 2024 arrest, “Despite an active ICE detainer, the New York City Department of Corrections released Berroa back onto NYC streets,” Homeland Security said. 

Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez was arrested following the shooting in New York City on Saturday night. On Monday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that Christhian Aybar Berroa was taken into custody as well. (Department of Homeland Security)

Officials believe the shooting happened during an attempted robbery. 

“A witness of the attack stated that she and the victim were sitting on the rocks by the water when two subjects on a scooter drove up to them, dismounted the scooter and approached them with a firearm drawn. The off-duty CBP officer responded by withdrawing his own firearm in self defense. The CBP officer was shot in his right arm and left cheek. Thankfully, the officer is in stable condition at the hospital,” Homeland Security said.