NYC Randalls Island migrant stab victim trapped as group chased him over punch

A Venezuelan immigrant stabbed to death at the Randalls Island migrant center ran for his life as a group of knife-waving attackers descended on him for throwing a punch, Manhattan prosecutors revealed.

Dafren Alexis Canizales Ceballo, 24, fled the dining area at the city-run shelter but was trapped against a closed door, Assistant D.A. Aryan Ahmadian said Sunday at the arraignment of alleged killer Moises Coronado.

He was charged with murder and gang assault and ordered held without bail until his next appearance in Manhattan Criminal Court Friday.

Mayor Adams said Monday the city will be installing security cameras and looking into metal detectors at the center after the killing.

Canizales Ceballo, a father of three, arrived in Texas with his brother last month, said his sibling, who lives in Denver.

He and Coronado got into an argument in the dining tent just before 7:30 p.m. Saturday after Coronado said something to Canizales Ceballo’s girlfriend, the prosecutor said.

Coronado’s friends surrounded Canizales Ceballo, who punched Coronado in the face, Ahmadian said.

That’s when Coronado and at least two others pulled out knives and started chasing him, according to the prosecutor.

Coronado continued chasing the victim even after he delivered a fatal stab to Canizales Ceballo’s upper chest, the prosecutor alleged.

Security at the center detained Corondao on the scene and found a kitchen knife in his pocket, according to a criminal complaint.

He admitted to chasing Canizales Ceballo and trying to stab him but denied delivering the fatal wound, Ahmadian said.

At a press conference Monday, Mayor Adams said his administration was “already looking at” bringing metal detectors into the city’s migrant shelters.

“In addition to the metal detectors, the New York City Police Department and our team, we’re going to utilize visual technology, we’re going to put cameras in many of these sites and locations,” he said.

He said the number of migrants who commit violence is small in comparison to the “overwhelming number” who just want to start a new life in America.

“But it’s horrific to have someone come here and pursue the American dream and see it turn into a nightmare, to lose a life,” Adams said. “It’s really unfortunate that we lost this young man.”

Coronado came to the U.S. alone from Venezuela and prosecutors confirmed he entered Texas in November.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s administration has bused more than 33,600 asylum seekers to New York City with little or no coordination with city officials since 2022 — leading Mayor Adams to sue 17 charter bus companies, claiming they owe the city at least $708 million.

The tent shelter on Randalls Island, which opened last year, has the capacity to house 2,000 asylum seekers.

Coronado’s lawyer did not immediately return a call seeking comment Monday.

Police have made no other arrests in Canizales Ceballo’s slaying.