A man living in the U.S. illegally posted a disturbing TikTok video offering $10,000 to anyone willing to kill an ICE officer. Following this, federal authorities discovered him in possession of a loaded gun, according to officials.
Eduardo Aguilar, 23, was taken into custody on Tuesday in Dallas, Texas, after sharing alarming footage where he sought “10 guys” in the city to attack federal immigration agents for money, as reported by the Department of Justice and Homeland Security.
The post, written in Spanish, read, “The Dallas 10 are determined men who are not afraid to take on challenges,” with a skull emoji often associated with death attached to it. It concluded with a note offering “$10,000 for each ICE agent.”
This threatening message was superimposed on an image of Dallas, the city where Aguilar resides, according to court documents.
“Threats against our nation’s law enforcement officers are completely unacceptable,” remarked Nancy Larson, assistant U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Texas.
Indeed, the Oct. 9 TikTok featured a nighttime view of Dallas, enhanced with ominous Spanish text and a skull emoji.
“All threats against our agents and officers will be thoroughly investigated, and those who threaten or place bounties on agents will face arrest and full prosecution,” she continued.
A .9mm handgun was located in Aguilar’s car at the time of his arrest—this is a violation of federal law, prohibiting illegal immigrants from carrying firearms.
Aguilar crossed the border illegally as an unaccompanied minor in 2018, and a year later received a final deportation order from a judge. He has also accumulated several alcohol-related offenses, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
“We are relieved that this illegal alien, who had a firearm, was apprehended before he could harm a law enforcement officer,” stated DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
“Our agents frequently face ambushes, terrorist threats, and other risks simply for enforcing laws enacted by Congress. We remain resolute in confronting these threats. Every criminal, terrorist, and illegal immigrant will face justice in America.”
Aguilar is facing charges for sending threatening communications in interstate or foreign commerce and will be held in federal custody. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to up to five years in prison.
