Cincinnati Man Arrested for Threatening ICE Agents on Social Media

A Cincinnati man, Anthony Marcus Kelly, aged 38, was arrested on Saturday. He is accused of making threats against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on social media. Federal charges against Kelly include threatening to assault, kidnap, or murder a United States official, as well as transmitting communications containing threats to kidnap or injure another person.

The arrest comes amid a reported increase in violence against ICE agents. Law enforcement became aware of a social media user, identified as ‘Slab,’ who allegedly posted multiple messages advocating for the killing of ICE officers. These posts also detailed the acquisition of firearms to carry out the threats. The investigation identified Kelly as the individual behind the posts.

In one alleged post, Kelly wrote about the need to "destroy ICE" and included derogatory remarks about specific individuals. Another post contained a direct threat of violence against anyone who came to his residence.

Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons stated that threatening to kill a federal officer is not protest, but terrorism. Lyons also criticized politicians for allegedly turning law enforcement officials into targets through their rhetoric. He argued that anti-ICE activists often fail to recognize the agency's role in arresting criminals.

The article also mentions instances of political actions that have been perceived as critical of ICE. These include a rebuke of a mayor and proposed legislation in Massachusetts and in Congress. Additionally, a Customs and Border Protection officer was recently shot in New York.

Following Kelly's arrest, White House officials and other authorities made public statements. It was also reported that a firearm and ammunition were recovered from Kelly's residence. Kelly has reportedly admitted to making the posts and is being held in jail without bond. He has been appointed a federal public defender.