Man charged with making threats against ICE agents, DHS Sec Kristi Noem in posts

A recent incident in Texas has led to the arrest of a man for making terroristic threats against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem. Robert King, a U.S. citizen, was taken into custody in McKinney, Texas after allegedly posting alarming social media posts.

According to a statement from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas, one of King’s posts indicated his intention to “open fire” if ICE agents were seen in his neighborhood. Additionally, some of his posts included derogatory comments about Secretary Noem and claimed that ICE agents are not “real cops” and have “no real authority.”

Following King’s arrest, a photo was shared by HSI Dallas showing him standing in handcuffs next to federal agents in McKinney. A senior DHS official emphasized that threats against law enforcement officers will not be tolerated and that those who make such threats will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

This incident occurred in the midst of a larger operation targeting members and associates of the Tren De Aragua (TdA) gang in Texas. More than 40 individuals, including minors, were taken into custody as part of the investigation, which involved the FBI, ICE, the San Antonio Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and other law enforcement agencies.

The State Department recently designated TdA as a foreign terrorist organization, citing the gang’s hostile actions against the U.S. in multiple states. The Alien Enemies Act of 1798, invoked to facilitate the detention and deportation of TdA members, allows for the removal of individuals from enemy nations without a hearing.

All those apprehended in the operation were found to be illegally present in the U.S. and taken into ICE custody pending immigration proceedings. The investigation and arrests were part of ongoing efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations and protect national security.

DHS and HSI Dallas have not provided further comments on the incident at this time. The arrest of Robert King serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of making threats against law enforcement officials and the importance of upholding the rule of law.