Two New Jersey brothers were arrested for allegedly making online threats against the Department of Homeland Security, authorities announced Tuesday. Ricardo Antonio Roman-Flores and his twin brother, Emilio Roman-Flores, are accused of posting threats that officials say included statements to “shoot ICE on sight” and targeted DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
The arrests took place Tuesday morning with the assistance of the Absecon Police Department SWAT Team. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “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.”
Emilio Roman-Flores faces multiple charges, including unlawful possession of an assault weapon, possession of prohibited weapons, conspiracy to make terroristic threats, criminal coercion, threats, and cyber harassment. Ricardo Roman-Flores is charged with conspiracy to make terroristic threats. Contact information for their legal representatives was not immediately available.