Authorities in New Jersey took two brothers into custody after investigators linked them to a series of violent online threats aimed at Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin.
The men, both American citizens, were arrested early Tuesday morning and are now facing a list of federal charges connected to the posts.
Threats That Set Off Alarm Bells
Officials say the pair allegedly posted messages calling for McLaughlin to be tortured and killed—language that immediately put DHS on alert. The threats didn’t stop there.
According to investigators, they also encouraged violence against Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, urging people to “sh00t ICE on sight” in separate posts.
Charges Stack Up for the Twin Brothers
The brothers, Emilio and Ricardo Roman-Flores, were taken into custody by DHS and are currently being held in Absecon, New Jersey.
Emilio faces a long slate of charges including possession of an assault weapon, prohibited weapons offenses, conspiracy to make terroristic threats, criminal coercion, threats, and cyber harassment.
Ricardo, meanwhile, is charged with conspiracy terroristic threats.
DHS Responds With Firm Messaging
McLaughlin, who often serves as the public face of the administration’s deportation policies, made it clear that the threats aren’t slowing her down.
In a short statement, she said these kinds of incidents “won’t deter us or slow us down.”
ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons delivered an even more forceful response.
He warned that anyone who threatens federal law enforcement can expect swift consequences:
“We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. We are NOT afraid of you.”
Rising Tensions Around Immigration Enforcement
Lyons pointed to heated rhetoric in the media and sanctuary city debates as the reason behind what he describes as an “8,000 percent increase” in threats against DHS personnel.
The department also released photos of the twins, along with images showing firearms and ammunition recovered during the investigation.
A Pattern of Violence Against ICE
The threats against McLaughlin aren’t isolated.
ICE and other immigration enforcement agencies have been on edge throughout the year as violent incidents have continued to escalate since the Trump administration’s intensified deportation operations began in January.
One of the most serious attacks occurred in September, when a gunman, Joshua Jahn, opened fire on an ICE facility in Dallas from a rooftop position.
His attack targeted a transport van, leaving one detainee dead and two more critically injured before Jahn died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Authorities later said his writings and ammunition markings made clear his anger was directed at ICE officers—not detainees.
Unrest Spreading Across the Country
Just months before, in June, Los Angeles saw large-scale clashes as thousands of protesters flooded the streets, confronting ICE officers and other law enforcement during heated demonstrations over immigration enforcement.
What Happens Now?
With charges filed and the brothers in custody, federal prosecutors will move forward with the case.
Meanwhile, DHS officials say their message remains unchanged: threats won’t influence their operations, and anyone who targets federal officers will face serious consequences.
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