UPDATE: A Florida man has been arrested for allegedly making online death threats against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, as confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Saturday. Joseph Giancola, 32, was taken into custody by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Fort Myers, Florida, amid a disturbing surge in threats against federal agents.
According to DHS, threats against ICE officers have skyrocketed by 8,000% as tensions rise nationwide over immigration policy. Giancola, who reportedly used the pseudonym “Cain Delon” on the social media platform Bluesky, made alarming posts such as, “Shoot the ICE Nazis down like the rabid dogs they are,” and “Get out your guns and shoot them down,” illustrating the extreme rhetoric that has emerged.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned Giancola’s actions, stating, “This cowardly individual made repeated disgusting death threats against ICE law enforcement officers. He is now in federal custody and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” She emphasized the unprecedented level of violence faced by ICE agents, citing a disturbing trend of threats not only against officers but also directed toward their families.
DHS reports that assaults on ICE agents have also surged by over 1,000%. The department has linked the rising violence to inflammatory political rhetoric, urging politicians and media figures to consider the real-world implications of their words. DHS warned, “Comparing ICE day-in and day-out to the Nazi Gestapo… has consequences.”
Earlier this week, DHS highlighted several other recent incidents where threats to ICE personnel were made, including a case involving Eduardo Aguilar, a Mexican national living illegally in Dallas, who was arrested for soliciting the murder of ICE agents in a TikTok video. Such threats are becoming increasingly common, raising alarms over the safety of law enforcement officers engaged in immigration enforcement.
In another alarming instance, an unidentified caller threatened the spouse of an ICE officer, saying, “Did you hear what happened to the Nazis after World War II? Because it’s what’s going to happen to your family.” This disturbing message reflects the growing hostility faced by those tasked with enforcing U.S. immigration laws.
As this situation unfolds, DHS remains committed to safeguarding its personnel and ensuring that those who make threats are held accountable. The department’s statement underlined the need for a collective effort to reduce inflammatory language regarding law enforcement.
The arrest of Giancola serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by ICE agents in the current climate. As the nation grapples with immigration issues, the stakes continue to rise, making it crucial for all parties involved to reflect on the impact of their words and actions.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as the legal proceedings against Giancola are set to begin shortly. The implications of this case could resonate widely, influencing the ongoing debate over immigration policy and law enforcement practices across the country.
