New Jersey Brothers Arrested Over Threats Against DHS Official
Two brothers from New Jersey have been apprehended following allegations of making terrorist threats against Tricia McLaughlin, a top deputy to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. They reportedly expressed a desire to “shoot ICE agents on sight,” and one of the siblings is also facing charges for illegal weapon possession.
The accusations emerge amid a staggering 8,000% surge in threats against immigration officials. The situation is especially troubling for those involved in the enforcement of President Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation policies aimed at undocumented individuals deemed as the “worst of the worst.”
Twins Ricardo Antonio Roman-Flores and Emilio Roman-Flores, from Absecon, New Jersey, were taken into custody after allegedly posting on social media about wanting to harm McLaughlin in brutal ways.
One statement from one of the brothers included, “The Second Amendments are being made for moments like this. If we see ICE, let’s shoot it,” which appears to be a poorly edited response to one of McLaughlin’s messages.
A separate post reportedly from another brother warned, “If you see ICE, shoot it.”
McLaughlin has been vocal in her defense of the agency and has criticized the brothers’ threats, labeling such behavior as “despicable.” She also highlighted how attacks on federal employees often stem from aggressive rhetoric espoused by certain politicians and groups on the political left.
ICE Director Todd Lyons remarked that the swift action by law enforcement, resulting in arrests within three days of the threats, should send a clear message. He noted the importance of holding individuals accountable who threaten law enforcement personnel.
These brothers, both American citizens, face serious charges. Emilio has been charged with unlawful possession of an assault weapon, conspiracy, terroristic threats, and cyber harassment. Ricardo is charged with conspiracy to make terroristic threats.
Authorities confirmed that the Absecon Police Department, together with its SWAT team, carried out the arrests after executing a search warrant in their community.
