Atlantic County Men Charged After Federal Raid Uncovers Weapons And Violent Online Threats
Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 10:00 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
ABSECON, NJ.- Two Atlantic County twin brothers were arrested Tuesday morning after federal authorities alleged they made explicit threats to “shoot ICE officers on sight” and to torture, mutilate, and hang a senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official.
According to DHS, the men, Emilio Roman-Flores and Ricardo Antonio Roman-Flores, both U.S. citizens residing in Absecon, New Jersey, were taken into custody during a coordinated raid executed by DHS special agents and the Absecon Police Department’s SWAT team. The arrests occurred early Tuesday, December 9, 2025, following a federal investigation into violent online statements attributed to the brothers.
Photo Courtesy Of DHS & Fox 29 Philadelphia
Nature of the Alleged Threats
Federal charging documents state that the Roman-Flores brothers issued repeated threats on social media and encrypted messaging platforms, declaring their intent to murder Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers “on sight.” Authorities also allege the men threatened to abduct, torture, and hang Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, prompting DHS to elevate her security posture earlier this month.
Investigators say the threats were explicit, graphic, and targeted, and that both brothers demonstrated intent to act on their statements.
Charges Filed;
Both Emilio and Ricardo Roman-Flores have been charged with:
- Making threats against federal law enforcement officers (18 U.S.C. § 115)
- Interstate transmission of threats to injure or kill (18 U.S.C. § 875(c))
- Threatening a federal official (18 U.S.C. § 115(a)(1)(B))
- Conspiracy to commit acts of violence against federal personnel
- Possession of firearms by prohibited persons, pending verification of prior disqualifying offenses
Additional charges may be filed as DHS continues to review digital communications and evidence seized during the raid.
Weapons And Evidence Seized;
During the court-authorized search of the brothers’ residence, federal agents and SWAT officers recovered:
- Multiple semi-automatic rifles and handguns
- A stockpile of ammunition
- Several high-capacity magazines
- Electronic devices believed to contain communications regarding the threats
- Written materials referencing anti-government ideology and hostility toward federal immigration enforcement
Authorities report no shots were fired during the operation, and both brothers were apprehended without incident.
Detention Status;
As of Wednesday morning, the Roman-Flores brothers remain in federal custody pending a detention hearing. Prosecutors are expected to argue that the pair poses a danger to law enforcement officers and the targeted DHS official, as well as a risk of continued violent conduct if released.
A spokesperson for DHS emphasized that threats against federal personnel have risen sharply in 2025 as immigration enforcement operations have intensified nationwide. “Any threat, especially one as explicit and violent as those made here, will be met with swift federal action,” the agency said.
Editor’s Note:
This report is based on information provided by the Department of Homeland Security, federal charging documents, and statements from the Absecon Police Department. Englebrook Independent News adheres strictly to its founding charter: to deliver fact-based, evidence-supported journalism, free from political influence or narrative bias. — Art Fletcher, Executive Editor, Englebrook Independent News:
“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”
