Santa Monica Man Arrested for Allegedly Harassing ICE Lawyers

This week, federal authorities arrested a man from Santa Monica, Gregory Crucio, who is accused of doxxing ICE lawyers. This incident has raised concerns about potential copycat actions, as noted by both Chicago and Los Angeles officials.

If convicted, Crucio could face up to five years in prison. Allegations suggest that he publicly identified an individual associated with ICE lawyers, allegedly with malicious intent. Gregory Bovino, a commander of ICE, took to Twitter, emphasizing the severity of targeting immigrants and the implications for law enforcement officials involved.

Bovino pointed to the hostile environment created by public discussions surrounding immigration policies, especially those linked to former President Donald Trump’s deportation strategies, which have sparked significant anger.

Bill Essayri, a U.S. attorney for Central California appointed by Trump, echoed these sentiments. He stated that Crucio’s actions underline the critical need for ICE agents to maintain anonymity for their safety. Essayri, a Republican and the first Muslim elected to California’s legislature, criticized those who target federal agents during their duties.

He mentioned, “Why do our agents wear masks?” in connection to Crucio’s alleged charges of doxxing against an ICE lawyer. Essayri further declared that harassment of federal law enforcement, whether online or offline, will not be tolerated. He assured that anyone who exposes personal details of agents or their families will be pursued and apprehended but clarified that defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in court.

The Justice Department reported that Crucio was taken into custody on Monday and had a court appearance on Tuesday, where he was ordered to remain jailed until his next hearing in October. According to a statement from the Department of Justice, doxxing is a serious offense that jeopardizes the safety of agents and their loved ones.

Prosecutors allege that Crucio posted the address of an ICE lawyer’s home and incited others to engage in harmful actions against her. Separately, an Ohio man was also arrested recently for threatening to kill an ICE agent.

The targeted lawyer maintained that she had never met Crucio, although he had previously lived in an apartment belonging to her family. She indicated she would remain vigilant against any harassment through January 2024. The Bureau of Responsibility within ICE is also looking into this matter.

In response to the climate of intimidation, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a law preventing most law enforcement from obscuring their identities during official duties. This move was perceived as a direct response to actions taken in Los Angeles, triggering protests across the political spectrum and prompting federal involvement in the matter. Newsom described the current situation as reflecting a “dystopian sci-fi movie,” criticizing the presence of unmarked cars and masked individuals in the field.

He expressed that the diversity of California, often seen as its strength, is under threat, particularly in light of policies from the Trump administration, which he deems alarming.