New Jersey Twins Charged for Threatening DHS Official and ICE Attack
Two brothers from New Jersey face severe legal consequences after making alarming threats against federal officials. The twins, Ricardo Antonio Roman-Flores and Emilio Roman-Flores, were arrested for allegedly posting terroristic threats against Tricia McLaughlin, the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Threats Against DHS Officials
The threats reportedly included vows to “shoot ICE agents on sight” and to torture McLaughlin in a medieval manner. The accusations emerged as the nation reported an astounding 8,000% increase in death threats against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel.
Details of the Charges
- Ricardo Antonio Roman-Flores: Charged with one count of conspiracy-terroristic threats.
- Emilio Roman-Flores: Charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Unlawful possession of an assault weapon
- Possession of prohibited weapons
- Conspiracy
- Terroristic threats
- Criminal coercion
- Cyber harassment
Community Response and Arrest
Police in Absecon, New Jersey, acted quickly, executing a search-and-arrest warrant that led to the brothers’ capture. DHS officials highlighted the swift response as a crucial measure in protecting their personnel from such violent rhetoric. ICE Director Todd Lyons expressed a firm stance against threats to law enforcement, stating, “We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
Political Context
Assistant Secretary McLaughlin has been a prominent figure in the media regarding the DHS’s immigration enforcement policies. She condemned the threats against ICE agents as “despicable” and noted that such violence stems from extreme political discourse. She emphasized that attacks against federal officers often follow violent rhetoric from various sources, including political leaders and activists.
The alarming claims made by the Roman-Flores twins add to the ongoing tension surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States. With ICE facing intense scrutiny and threats from certain segments of the population, the need for safety and accountability among federal officials has never been more critical.
