An undocumented immigrant from Mexico was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly posting a TikTok video offering a $10,000 bounty for the murder of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, according to NBC. In recent months, ICE agents have conducted raids across parts of the United States as part of President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration, leading to mass arrests, deportations, and other enforcement actions. Among those detained was 23-year-old Eduardo Aguilar, who had been living in Texas for several years.
Texas man arrested for offering $10,000 Bounty on ICE agents
“Threats against our law enforcement officers are completely unacceptable,” said Acting US Attorney Nancy E. Larson, as authorities, NBC reported. The alleged threat comes amid a 1,000% rise in assaults on immigration agents, according to Homeland Security. Recently, a sniper-style attack was launched in Dallas last month, where gunman Joshua Jahn killed two detainees outside an immigration facility. Bullet casings with “Anti-ICE” remarks were recovered at the scene.
Earlier this month, authorities arrested Juan Espinoza-Martinez in Illinois, another undocumented immigrant and Latin Kings gang member, for offering a bounty on Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino. Espinoza-Martinez allegedly offered $2,000 to catch Bovino and $10,000 if he was killed and shared the same through Snapchat messages. His attorney, however, has denied all claims, calling them politically motivated, according to the Independent.
Who is Eduardo Aguilar?
According to The Independent, Aguilar crossed into the US illegally in 2018. At the time, he was categorised as an Unaccompanied minor. He had a final order of removal issued in 2019. Police records suggest previous liquor-related charges and a federal detention. Acting US Attorney Larson said, “All threats against our agents and officers will be investigated thoroughly, and anyone who threatens or puts a bounty on agents will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.”
Aguilar allegedly posted the TikTok video on October 9, asking for calling for “10 dudes in Dallas with determination (guts) who aren’t afraid to” carry out killings, followed by skull emojis, and promising “10K for each ICE agent.”
Cyber department authorities found Aguilar with the help of TikTok. During the arrest, law enforcement found a loaded .9mm handgun in Aguilar’s vehicle, a violation of federal law which prohibits undocumented immigrants from owning firearms. Aguilar was federally charged with sending messages containing a threat. He faces up to five years in prison if convicted. He is currently detained in federal custody pending trial.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a press statement, “We are thankful this illegal alien, who had a firearm in his possession, was arrested before he could kill one of our law enforcement officers. Our agents face ambushes, terrorist attacks, and death threats simply for enforcing US law.”
