New Jersey Twins Charged with Threats Against DHS Official and ICE
Two twins from Absecon, New Jersey, have been arrested following allegations of making terroristic threats against a senior official of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Ricardo Antonio Roman-Flores and Emilio Roman-Flores, born in the United States, face serious charges related to their alleged social media posts that called for violence against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Details of the Charges
The brothers were taken into custody on Tuesday, after law enforcement acted on their posts that suggested intentions to inflict harm on Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. Allegedly, one of the twins indicated on the platform X (formerly Twitter) the desire to “shoot ICE on sight.” In another threatening message, he expressed that McLaughlin deserved torture and a medieval-style execution.
Context of the Threats
This incident arises amid a significant uptick in violent rhetoric directed at ICE personnel, with reports suggesting an astonishing 8,000% increase in death threats against them. McLaughlin has been a prominent figure in immigration enforcement and has publicly condemned the threats made against her and her colleagues, labeling them as “despicable.”
Law Enforcement Response
ICE Director Todd Lyons emphasized the gravity of the threats and the authorities’ resolve to prosecute offenders. He stated, “If you threaten our law enforcement or DHS officials, we will hunt you down.” The swift arrest of the Roman-Flores twins was applauded by DHS, highlighting the cooperation between the Absecon Police Department and its SWAT team in executing the search warrant.
Charges Against Each Brother
- Emilio Roman-Flores:
- Unlawful possession of an assault weapon
- Possession of prohibited weapons
- Conspiracy
- Terroristic threats
- Criminal coercion
- C yber harassment
- Ricardo Antonio Roman-Flores:
- One count of conspiracy to make terroristic threats
Conclusion
The threats against federal officials have risen sharply, making incidents like this particularly alarming. The judicial system’s response emphasizes a firm stance against such violent rhetoric, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding public servants operating under challenging conditions.
