New Jersey Twin Brothers Arrested After Alleged ‘Shoot ICE On Sight’ Posts Targeting DHS Official

Two twin brothers from Absecon, New Jersey, were arrested after authorities say they posted violent social-media messages targeting a senior Department of Homeland Security official, including alleged calls to "shoot ICE agents on sight." One brother faces multiple weapons and terroristic-threat counts, while the other is charged in a conspiracy related to the threats.

Law enforcement identified the suspects as Ricardo Antonio Roman-Flores and Emilio Roman-Flores. Investigators say the posts, made on the platform X, included alleged threats to torture and kill Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin in a medieval manner and other violent language. Prosecutors say the online activity was traced to the brothers after a review of partially redacted replies to McLaughlin's public posts.

"[The Second] Amendment is in place for moments like this. Shoot ICE on sight," one alleged reply read, according to charging documents. Another allegedly stated, "Shoot ICE on sight," while additional comments reportedly invoked tarring, feathering and hanging.

ICE Director Todd Lyons praised the quick response by law enforcement, saying the arrests — made within days of the alleged posts — demonstrate authorities will locate and prosecute people who threaten federal officers. "We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law," Lyons said, according to the report.

According to charging information, Emilio Roman-Flores was charged with unlawful possession of an assault weapon, possession of prohibited weapons, conspiracy, terroristic threats, criminal coercion and cyber harassment. Ricardo Roman-Flores was charged with one count of conspiracy — terroristic threats. Both men are reported to be U.S. citizens.

Local authorities credited the Absecon Police Department and its SWAT team with executing a search-and-arrest warrant in the Atlantic County community and taking the brothers into custody. Prosecutors emphasize charges are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The arrests come amid heightened tensions over immigration enforcement and what officials describe as a recent surge in threats against ICE and DHS personnel. Federal officials say they view extreme rhetoric as a potential precursor to violence and are urging the public to report threats to law enforcement.