Federal authorities have charged a Brooklyn man in connection with what prosecutors describe as a violent threat made against a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer during a protest outside a detention facility in New Jersey.
The suspect, Nicholas Matthew Scelfo, 27, was arrested on allegations that he threatened to assault and kill a federal officer and members of the officer’s family.
He is expected to appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Newark federal court.
Alleged Threats Made During Protest Outside ICE Facility
According to court filings, the incident occurred on or about May 27 during a demonstration outside an ICE detention facility in Newark, New Jersey.
Prosecutors say Scelfo directed explicit threats toward an ICE officer, including violent language targeting both the officer and their family.
The statements were allegedly captured on video and later circulated on social media, forming part of the evidence reviewed by investigators.
Federal Authorities Say Arrest Made Within Days
Law enforcement officials stated that Scelfo was arrested on or about May 29 after a rapid investigation involving multiple agencies.
The case was built through coordination between the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York Police Department, working under a federal task force focused on violent threats against law enforcement personnel.
Officials also said facial recognition technology helped identify the suspect, allowing agents to locate him quickly following the alleged incident.
Officials Condemn Threats Against Law Enforcement
Senior federal officials issued strong statements following the arrest, emphasizing that threats against officers and their families would be prosecuted aggressively.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said federal officers face dangerous conditions and must be able to perform their duties without fear of retaliation or violence directed at their families.
FBI Director Kash Patel credited investigators for quickly identifying the suspect and warned that threats against law enforcement would be met with decisive action.
Homeland Security leadership also condemned the alleged conduct, describing it as part of a broader pattern of escalating threats faced by ICE officers in the field.
Prosecutors Detail Alleged Statements and Admissions
Court documents allege that Scelfo shouted graphic threats during the protest, including statements promising violence against the officer’s family.
Prosecutors further claim that during a post-arrest interview, he acknowledged making threatening remarks at the scene.
If convicted of influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal officer by threat, Scelfo faces a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Investigation Ongoing as Case Moves Forward
The investigation remains active, led by federal agents from the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force alongside Homeland Security Investigations and local police partners.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Camila A. Garces and Casey S. Smith are prosecuting the case in the District of New Jersey.
Officials stressed that the charges are allegations at this stage, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
