Wanted Illegal Migrant Flees NYC Court, Evading ICE Agents

Authorities say a crack-smoking, sexual predator migrant with a criminal history was allowed to walk out of a Manhattan courthouse, infuriating federal agents.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:47pm

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A 45-year-old migrant named Gerardo Miguel Mora, wanted by ICE on a criminal arrest warrant, was arrested on Thursday in New York City for shoplifting and possession of stolen property. Despite the judge having knowledge of the federal warrant, Mora was allowed to flee through a back door of the Manhattan criminal courthouse, evading waiting ICE agents who then chased him down outside.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement in sanctuary cities like New York, where there are allegations of actively obstructing ICE operations. It raises questions about public safety and the enforcement of immigration laws for those with criminal histories.

The details

Mora, whose country of origin was not disclosed, was previously arrested in January for possession of alleged crack cocaine. In 2011, he was also busted for attempted rape and strangulation of a 21-year-old woman in Midtown Manhattan. After that incident, he was presumably deported, but returned to the U.S. in 2023 and was arrested for using a false ID. Federal authorities had an outstanding criminal arrest warrant for Mora under a section of the U.S. code concerning 'reentry of removed aliens'.

  • On January 7, Mora was arrested for possession of alleged crack cocaine.
  • On Thursday, January 30, Mora was arrested for shoplifting and possession of stolen property.
  • On Thursday, January 30, Mora was allowed to flee the Manhattan criminal courthouse through a back door, evading waiting ICE agents.

The players

Gerardo Miguel Mora

A 45-year-old migrant with a criminal history, including arrests for possession of crack cocaine, attempted rape, and strangulation. He was wanted by ICE on a criminal arrest warrant.

Judge Sheridan Jack-Browne

A Democratic judge who was elected in a special election last year in Brooklyn, and who presided over the case where Mora was allowed to flee the courthouse.

ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

The federal agency that had an outstanding criminal arrest warrant for Mora and was waiting to take him into custody outside the Manhattan courthouse.

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What they’re saying

“That is in the package that the judge gets and it's up to the judge what to do there.”

— Police Source (The New York Post)

“They refused to hand him over. They let him out the back to avoid ICE.”

— Irate Source (The New York Post)

“Unfortunately, that's what we do now. We don't acknowledge any federal anything. I don't think that's right. They came into the country the wrong way and they committed a crime. They should be deported. We should be able to hand them over to the feds.”

— Longtime NYPD Officer (The New York Post)

What’s next

The Department of Justice could choose to prosecute Mora, deport him, or both, now that he is in federal custody.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement in sanctuary cities, where there are allegations of actively obstructing ICE operations and raising concerns about public safety and the enforcement of immigration laws for those with criminal histories.