Illegal immigrant suspects with lengthy criminal records arrested in stabbing of off-duty NYPD detective

The two illegal immigrant suspects wanted in the brutal stabbing of an off-duty New York City police officer were arrested overnight after authorities tracked them to a Massachusetts home, where police say they were hiding in the basement.

NYPD detectives arrested Dangelo Rafael Jean Caraballo, 25, and Sneider Mejia Bautista, 24, in Lynn, Massachusetts, with the U.S. Marshals playing a key role in locating the pair, according to the NYPD.

Caraballo and Bautista, both Dominican citizens who federal officials say are living in the U.S. illegally and have lengthy criminal records, were wanted for the attempted murder of off-duty NYPD Detective Jose Mercedes.

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Police say the two men attacked Mercedes while attempting to snatch his gold chain as he cleared out the trunk of his car. When Mercedes fought back, he was stabbed and slashed multiple times.

Despite his severe injuries, Mercedes chased his alleged attackers for two blocks before collapsing.

He was rushed to the hospital and released this week.

"This horrific crime could have been prevented if it weren’t for Biden’s open borders and the America Last policies of New York sanctuary politicians," said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. "DHS is calling on New York authorities to cooperate with us so we can get these dangerous criminals off our streets. Our thoughts and prayers are with the detective for a speedy recovery."

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According to DHS, both men entered the U.S. unlawfully through the Arizona border at different times, where they were apprehended and subsequently released into the country by the Biden administration.

Both have accumulated extensive criminal histories in New York.

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Caraballo’s prior arrests include charges for reckless endangerment, reckless driving, unlawful fleeing from a police officer in a motor vehicle, possession of burglar’s tools, criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a weapon involving a loaded firearm and second-degree menacing with a weapon.

Following a December 2024 arrest for possession of burglar’s tools, local authorities released him before U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could lodge an immigration detainer.

Bautista’s criminal record includes arrests for criminal possession of stolen property, possession of burglar’s tools, grand larceny and criminal possession of a weapon.

Following an October 2025 weapon charge, ICE lodged a detainer against Bautista, but local officials declined the request under New York City's sanctuary policies.

DHS noted that following his other arrests, Bautista was released so quickly that ICE was unable to lodge detainers in time.

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