A Mexican national who illegally entered the United States at least nine times has been arrested after explicitly threatening to shoot President Trump in the head with a rifle at an upcoming rally.
Key Takeaways
- ICE officers arrested Ramon Morales-Reyes, a 54-year-old Mexican national with an extensive criminal record, for threatening to assassinate President Trump
- Morales-Reyes sent a handwritten letter detailing his plan to shoot the President with a .30-06 Springfield rifle during a rally and then escape to Mexico
- The suspect had illegally entered the US at least nine times between 1999 and 2005 and has previous convictions for felony hit-and-run and domestic abuse
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem linked this threat to dangerous political rhetoric, noting it follows last year’s shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania and former FBI Director Comey’s controversial assassination comments
- Morales-Reyes is currently detained in Wisconsin and will be deported after authorities complete their investigation
Details of the Assassination Threat
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested Ramon Morales-Reyes in Wisconsin after he sent a handwritten letter to an ICE officer explicitly threatening to assassinate President Donald Trump. The letter, received on May 21, contained disturbing details about his intentions to target the President at a public event. Morales-Reyes specifically mentioned using a “.30 yard 6” (referring to a .30-06 Springfield rifle) to “shoot your precious president in is [sic] head” at “one of his big ralleys [sic].” Following the arrest, authorities placed him in detention at Dodge County Jail in Juneau, Wisconsin.
“We are tired of this president messing with us Mexicans – We have done more for this country than you white people – you have been deporting my family and I think it is time Donald J. Trump get what he has coming to him,” Stated Ramon Morales Reyes
In the same letter, Morales-Reyes detailed his escape plan, writing: “I will self deport myself back to Mexico but not before I use my 30 yard 6 to shoot your precious president in his head – I will see him at one of his big ralleys [sic].” This explicit threat prompted immediate action from federal authorities, who swiftly located and apprehended the suspect. The Department of Homeland Security emphasized that they take all threats against the President with the utmost seriousness, especially given recent incidents targeting President Trump.
History of Illegal Entry and Criminal Behavior
Immigration records reveal that Morales-Reyes has a long history of illegal border crossings, having entered the United States unlawfully at least nine times between 1999 and 2005. Each time, he was processed for expedited removal and returned to Mexico, only to re-enter illegally again. This pattern of border violations demonstrates a persistent disregard for U.S. immigration laws and border security measures that have been exacerbated by the current border crisis under the Biden-Harris administration.
“Thanks to our ICE officers, this illegal alien who threatened to assassinate President Trump is behind bars. This threat comes not even a year after President Trump was shot in Butler, Pennsylvania and less than two weeks after former FBI Director Comey called for the President’s assassination. All politicians and members of the media should take notice of these repeated attempts on President Trump’s life and tone down their rhetoric. I will continue to take all measures necessary to ensure the protection of President Trump,” Stated Kristi Noem
Beyond his immigration violations, Morales-Reyes has accumulated a troubling criminal record within the United States. His offenses include felony hit-and-run, criminal damage to property, and disorderly conduct with a “domestic abuse modifier.” This pattern of escalating criminal behavior culminated in his recent threat against the President, demonstrating how failed immigration enforcement can directly impact national security and the safety of our highest elected officials.
Escalating Political Violence and Rhetoric
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the broader context of this threat, connecting it to a disturbing trend of violence directed at President Trump. “An illegal immigrant who allegedly threatened to kill President Donald Trump before self-deporting to Mexico has been arrested,” Noem stated, while denouncing “rhetoric from left-leaning media and politicians for fueling such incidents.” The Secretary’s comments highlight growing concerns about the real-world consequences of inflammatory political discourse targeting the President.
This incident follows the attempted assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania last year, where President Trump was shot during a campaign rally. It also comes shortly after former FBI Director James Comey made highly controversial remarks that many interpreted as calling for the President’s assassination. This pattern suggests that extreme rhetoric from media figures and former officials may be emboldening unstable individuals to contemplate violence. DHS has indicated they are pursuing similar threats in other states, including recent arrests in Texas and North Carolina.
