New Jersey twins arrested for threatening a senior aide to Governor Kristi Noem.
A pair of twin brothers from Absecon, New Jersey, has been apprehended and charged with making terroristic threats against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Tricia McLaughlin. The arrests were announced in a press release from the DHS, which stated that the twins, identified as Ricardo Antonio Roman-Flores and Emilio Roman-Flores, both aged 26, are facing significant legal repercussions.
The brothers have been charged with conspiracy to commit terroristic threats, with Emilio Roman-Flores facing additional charges, including unlawful possession of an assault weapon, possession of prohibited weapons, criminal coercion, making threats, and cyber harassment. The allegations stem from social media posts wherein the twins allegedly called for violence against McLaughlin and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Reports indicate that one post suggested that McLaughlin should be hanged, while others advocated for aggressive action against ICE agents, with phrases urging followers to “shoot ICE on sight.”
As an illustration of the incendiary nature of their posts, one shared message invoked historical context, suggesting modern action against government officials reminiscent of measures taken during the Revolutionary War. Another post referenced the Second Amendment as justification for violent actions against ICE, further escalating concerns surrounding the implications of their threats.
On Tuesday, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at the residence of the twins, during which they recovered two firearms, including an assault rifle, alongside several boxes of ammunition. This discovery has intensified scrutiny regarding the duo’s intentions and safety to the community at large.
In response to these disturbing threats, Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons issued a firm warning, emphasizing that threats against law enforcement will not be tolerated. He reaffirmed the commitment of law enforcement agencies to pursue and prosecute individuals who threaten their officers.
The Roman-Flores twins are currently being held at a facility in Absecon, New Jersey, and the case continues to draw attention as it underscores the increasingly volatile nature of discourse surrounding federal immigration enforcement and security officials. The investigation reflects broader concerns about the safety of law enforcement personnel amid escalating tensions in the national conversation surrounding immigration policy and governmental authority. The situation remains under active investigation by law enforcement agencies.
