Two Brothers Arrested for Alleged Plot Against ICE Officer

Two brothers, one being a high school assistant principal in Virginia, are facing accusations of conspiring to kill an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer, according to a Homeland Security official.

John Wilson Bennett and Mark Booth Bennett, both American citizens, were taken into custody on November 19 and charged with conspiracy to cause malicious harm.

The investigation began on November 17 when an off-duty police officer from Norfolk, Virginia, overheard the brothers discussing intentions to “kill police officers and ICE agents,” as stated by DHS officials.

Mark Bennett reportedly connected with anti-ICE activists in Las Vegas, Nevada, to talk about plans for acquiring firearms. This scheme allegedly included using weapons with explosive rounds aimed at targeting multiple operatives.

DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin expressed her shock: “It’s appalling that someone, particularly in the education field, would plan an attack on an ICE officer, particularly with specifics like acquiring a high-caliber rifle capable of penetrating bulletproof vests.”

Mark Bennett was apprehended at Norfolk International Airport on his way to Las Vegas, while John Bennett was arrested in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He has been serving as an assistant principal at Kempsville High School since 2009.

A court hearing for the Bennett brothers is set for a future date.