Two New Jersey twins face federal terrorism charges after allegedly posting social media threats to “shoot ICE on sight” and kill a high-ranking DHS official.
Story Highlights
- Twin brothers Emilio and Ricardo Roman-Flores arrested for threatening ICE officers and DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin
- Federal terrorism charges filed including weapons violations and cyber harassment
- ICE reports an alarming 8,000% increase in death threats against law enforcement officers
- Social media posts called for shooting immigration officers “on sight”
Federal Terrorism Charges Target Twin Brothers
Emilio Roman Flores and Ricardo Antonio Roman-Flores of Absecon, New Jersey, were arrested Tuesday on federal terrorism charges after posting threats on social media targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and Department of Homeland Security officials. Emilio faces multiple charges including making terroristic threats, cyber harassment, and weapons violations, while Ricardo is charged with conspiracy to make terroristic threats. The coordinated nature of their actions and the severity of the threats prompted federal authorities to pursue terrorism-related charges rather than simple threatening offenses.
Threats Target Immigration Enforcement Leadership
The brothers allegedly called for shooting ICE officers “on sight” and specifically threatened to kill DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. Their targeting of both frontline immigration officers and high-ranking officials demonstrates a calculated attack on the federal immigration enforcement apparatus. The public nature of these social media threats created documented evidence that facilitated rapid investigation and prosecution by federal authorities. This direct assault on those protecting our borders represents the kind of radical opposition President Trump’s immigration agenda faces from extremists.
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Escalating Pattern of Anti-Law Enforcement Violence
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons revealed that law enforcement has documented an 8,000% increase in death threats against officers, positioning these arrests within a broader pattern of escalating violence targeting federal agents. Lyons issued a stern warning: “Let this be a warning to anyone who dares threaten or attack our brave law enforcement officers. We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.” This dramatic surge in threats coincides with renewed immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration, highlighting how radical elements seek to intimidate those protecting American communities.
Swift Justice Sends Clear Message
The rapid arrest and prosecution of the Roman-Flores brothers demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to protecting immigration enforcement personnel from violent threats. Their case establishes important precedent for prosecuting social media threats as federal terrorism offenses, particularly when targeting multiple officials in a coordinated manner. The strong response serves as a deterrent to others who might consider similar attacks against those working to secure our borders and enforce immigration law.
NJ twins arrested over threats to ‘shoot ICE on sight,’ kill Kristi Noem’s deputy, DHS says https://t.co/snkngV8dkj pic.twitter.com/YSsAUbxvXV
— New York Post (@nypost) December 9, 2025
These arrests highlight the dangerous climate facing immigration enforcement officers as they work to implement policies that protect American communities from illegal immigration. The willingness of federal authorities to pursue terrorism charges sends an unmistakable message that threats against those defending our borders will face the full weight of justice.
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NJ twins threatened to ‘shoot ICE officers on sight’ on social media: DHS
