Two brothers from Absecon, New Jersey, were arrested on charges related to terroristic threats aimed at a senior official with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Ricardo Antonio Roman-Flores and Emilio Roman-Flores are accused of posting alarming messages on social media that included explicit threats to the life of Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. Allegations suggest that one of the brothers even expressed a desire to “shoot ICE agents on sight,” amidst a wave of rising threats against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel.
These developments occur against the backdrop of a staggering 8,000% increase in death threats directed at ICE agents, highlighting the volatile atmosphere surrounding immigration enforcement amid ongoing national debates. The Roman-Flores brothers allegedly targeted McLaughlin in response to her prominent role in DHS’s immigration policies, which have included efforts to deport serious criminal offenders.
Law enforcement sources indicate that the arrests followed the brothers’ social media activity, where one of them reportedly tweeted that Americans should “find you, tar you, feather you, and hang you” in reference to McLaughlin. This medieval imagery underscores the violent tone of their threats, which has raised significant concern among federal officials.
Emilio Roman-Flores faces multiple charges including unlawful possession of an assault weapon, conspiracy, terroristic threats, and cyber harassment. His twin brother, Ricardo, is charged with conspiracy related to the terroristic threats. Both are American citizens.
DHS officials commended the swift action taken by the Absecon Police Department and their SWAT team, which executed a search-and-arrest warrant leading to the apprehension of the twins. ICE Director Todd Lyons emphasized that such threats would not be tolerated and made a firm declaration regarding the consequences of targeting federal law enforcement: “We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
McLaughlin has been a vocal representative for DHS in the media, frequently defending the agency’s actions and condemning the “despicable” threats made against its personnel. She has pointed to the violent rhetoric propagated by certain political figures and activists on the left as a contributing factor to the rise in threats against ICE agents.
The incident reinforces the urgent need for addressing the increasing hostility faced by law enforcement engaged in immigration enforcement, amid a national conversation that continues to polarize communities and political factions.
