ABSECON, NJ — Two twin brothers from New Jersey were arrested Tuesday on charges of threatening to kill Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Emilio Roman-Flores and Ricardo Roman-Flores were taken into custody during a joint operation involving DHS and the Absecon Police Department’s SWAT team.
Authorities say the pair posted messages online calling to “shoot ICE on sight” and threatening McLaughlin directly. Federal and local police executed search and arrest warrants Tuesday morning in response to what DHS described as credible threats against federal personnel.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons condemned the threats in a statement, warning that the agency would aggressively pursue anyone who targets law enforcement. “We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.
Emilio Roman-Flores faces a wide range of charges, including unlawful possession of an assault weapon, possession of prohibited weapons, conspiracy, terroristic threats, criminal coercion, and cyber harassment. Ricardo Roman-Flores is charged with conspiracy and terroristic threats.
A DHS official cited a dramatic rise in online threats against ICE employees, stating the figure had increased by 8,000%, though the time period for the surge was not specified.
Both men are expected to appear in court as federal prosecutors review the case.
SOURCES
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
