Twin brothers in Absecon face charges for making online threats against ICE.

Authorities in Absecon, New Jersey, have arrested twin brothers Emilio Roman-Flores and Ricardo Antonio Roman-Flores, charging them with making violent threats against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem. The arrests occurred on a Tuesday morning following a coordinated effort by the Absecon Police Department’s SWAT team and the DHS.

The accusations stem from social media posts attributed to the brothers, which allegedly included incendiary remarks calling for McLaughlin to be “hanged” and urging individuals to “Shoot ICE on sight.” These statements raised significant alarms about potential threats to public safety, prompting the swift law enforcement response that ensued.

Public records reveal that Emilio and Ricardo Roman-Flores, both 26 years old and reportedly U.S. citizens, face multiple charges. Emilio has been charged with unlawful possession of an assault weapon, possession of prohibited weapons, conspiracy to commit terroristic threats, criminal coercion, making threats, and cyber harassment. Meanwhile, Ricardo has been charged with conspiracy to commit terroristic threats, according to DHS officials.

During the execution of the search and arrest warrant, authorities recovered evidence that included a shotgun, a semiautomatic rifle, and associated ammunition. A photo of these items was subsequently published on the DHS website, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

Todd Lyons, the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, emphasized the zero-tolerance stance of the agency regarding threats against law enforcement officials. In statements conveyed through various media outlets, he affirmed that threats against DHS personnel would be met with an aggressive law enforcement response.

Despite the troubling nature of the posts, it remains unclear which brother specifically made the remarks that called for violent actions against McLaughlin and ICE. The DHS has noted that addressing and prosecuting threats against federal employees and law enforcement officials is a priority, reaffirming its commitment to upholding the law and ensuring the safety of its personnel.

The incident raises broader concerns about the increasing use of social media as a platform for inciting violence, as well as the implications for law enforcement agencies charged with protecting public safety. As investigations continue, the ramifications of such threats are likely to resonate within both law enforcement and community circles.