Authorities have arrested two undocumented immigrants from the Dominican Republic in connection with a failed robbery that left an off-duty U.S. border patrol officer seriously wounded in New York City on Saturday.

The suspects, identified as Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez and Christhian Aybar-Berroa, are currently awaiting arraignment. The 42-year-old officer, who was shot in the face and arm during the encounter, remains hospitalized in critical condition.

According to law enforcement, surveillance footage released by the Department of Homeland Security shows the two men approaching the officer and a female companion on a moped. The confrontation escalated quickly, with one suspect opening fire. Despite his injuries, the officer returned fire, wounding the gunman in the leg.

Authorities say Aybar-Berroa was driving the moped and has a history of criminal offenses, including eight arrests between March and April of last year on charges such as grand larceny, robbery, and reckless endangerment.

Mora Nunez, who allegedly fired the weapon, was previously ordered to be deported in 2023 but remained in the U.S. illegally. He also has an active warrant in Massachusetts for kidnapping and armed robbery.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams condemned the attack, saying both men had extensive criminal records and should have been deported long ago.

“This never should have happened,” Adams said. “These individuals were known threats.”

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, speaking in her capacity as Secretary of Homeland Security, placed blame squarely on the city’s leadership. “Make no mistake—this officer is fighting for his life because of failed sanctuary policies that allowed dangerous individuals to remain on our streets,” Noem said.

Mayor Adams pushed back, stating, “I don’t make the rules—I enforce them. The system needs to change if we want different outcomes.”

In response to the incident, former ICE Director Tom Homan said sanctuary cities like New York are now being prioritized for increased immigration enforcement. He indicated that ICE agents would focus efforts on removing undocumented individuals with criminal records.

Adams, however, maintained that immigration enforcement should be targeted. “We should not be pursuing people who are actively trying to gain legal status. That’s not justice,” he said.

The shooting has reignited debates over immigration policy and sanctuary city protections, with federal and local officials clashing over accountability and public safety.