Full Breakdown
New Jersey Twins Arrested for Alleged Threats Against DHS Official
12/9/2025, 9:03:46 PM
Allegations of Terroristic Threats
Ricardo Antonio Roman-Flores and Emilio Roman-Flores, twin brothers from Absecon, New Jersey, were arrested on charges related to terroristic threats against Tricia McLaughlin, the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The allegations include vows to "shoot ICE agents on sight" and threats to torture McLaughlin in a medieval manner. These incidents reportedly occurred amid a significant increase in threats against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel, with reports indicating an 8,000% rise in such threats.
The brothers allegedly posted on social media, expressing their intent to harm McLaughlin, who has been a prominent figure in DHS's immigration enforcement efforts. One tweet attributed to one of the brothers stated, "The Second Amendment is in place for moments like this. Shoot ICE on sight," while another message suggested violent retribution against those serving in government roles.
Charges Filed
Emilio Roman-Flores faces multiple charges, including unlawful possession of an assault weapon, possession of prohibited weapons, conspiracy, terroristic threats, criminal coercion, and cyber harassment. His brother, Ricardo, has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit terroristic threats. The arrests were made within three days of the alleged threats, following a coordinated effort by the Absecon Police Department and its SWAT team.
Official Responses
Tricia McLaughlin has publicly condemned the threats against her and her colleagues, labeling them as "despicable." She emphasized that such violent rhetoric is a direct consequence of the current political climate, particularly criticizing figures on the political left. ICE Director Todd Lyons reinforced the agency's commitment to protecting its personnel, stating, "If you threaten our law enforcement or DHS officials, we will hunt you down, and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
Criticism of Political Rhetoric
McLaughlin's statements highlight a broader concern regarding the impact of political discourse on public safety. She specifically pointed to the role of violent rhetoric from certain political leaders as a contributing factor to the threats faced by ICE agents. This perspective aligns with the views of some officials who argue that the current political environment has fostered hostility towards law enforcement agencies.
Conclusion
The arrests of the Roman-Flores twins underscore the escalating tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States. As threats against DHS officials rise, the agency remains vigilant in its efforts to protect its personnel and uphold the law. The case serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of inflammatory political rhetoric and its impact on public safety.
Verbatim Quotes
- “[The Second] Amendment is in place for moments like this. Shoot ICE on sight,” — Ricardo Antonio Roman-Flores
- “We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. We are not afraid of you.” — Todd Lyons, ICE Director
- “DHS BRASS SLAM VIRGINIA BEACH PRINCIPAL ACCUSED IN ‘CHILLING’ PLOT TO LURE, AMBUSH ICE AGENTS Seen as Noem’s top representative in the press, McLaughlin has not been shy about defending her agency, recently lambasting those like the Absecon brothers who allegedly threaten ICE agents as "despicable" and repeating that attacks on federal officers are a direct result of violent rhetoric from Democrats and the political left.” — Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of DHS
