Migrant in US illegally arrested after alleged Trump assassination threat: DHS

A Mexican migrant who entered the U.S. illegally is in federal custody after allegedly threatening to assassinate President Donald Trump. — Image credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty/DHS

Summary

Assassination threat

Ramon Morales-Reyes, a Mexican national in the U.S. illegally, was arrested by ICE after allegedly sending a handwritten letter threatening to kill President Donald Trump. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Morales-Reyes outlined a plan to shoot Trump in the letter.

Immigration background

ICE and DHS report that Morales-Reyes had crossed the U.S. border illegally at least nine times between 1998 and 2005. He is currently in custody in Wisconsin pending deportation proceedings. DHS states that Morales-Reyes has a criminal record including charges for felony hit-and-run, criminal damage to property, and disorderly conduct with a domestic abuse modifier.

Past assassination attempts

Noem also referenced the attempted assassination of then-candidate Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, noting that a bullet narrowly missed Trump’s head and struck his ear.

Full story

A Mexican national who entered the United States illegally is in federal custody after allegedly making a threat to assassinate President Donald Trump, according to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem. Noem announced Wednesday in a press release that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 54-year-old Ramon Morales-Reyes on May 22.

The arrest came after an ICE field intelligence officer said he received a handwritten letter from Morales-Reyes, in which he outlined a plan to kill Trump, according to DHS.

Letter written by Ramon Morales-Reyes via Department of Homeland Security

“We are tired of this president messing with us Mexicans — we have done more for this country than you white people,” the letter read. “You have been deporting my family and I think it is time Donald J. Trump get what he has coming to him. 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 rallies.”

What is known about Morales-Reyes

ICE took Morales-Reyes into custody in Wisconsin. He is being held at Dodge County Jail in Juneau, Wisconsin, pending deportation proceedings. According to DHS, he illegally crossed the U.S. border at least nine times between 1998 and 2005.

His criminal record includes charges for felony hit-and-run, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct with a domestic abuse modifier, according to the press release.

Noem links threat to political rhetoric

In her statement, Noem called for inflammatory political language to quiet down and highlighted what she described as a growing threat to Trump’s safety.

“All politicians and members of the media should take notice of these repeated attempts on President Trump’s life and tone down their rhetoric,” Noem said.

Noem cited a recent Instagram post from former FBI Director James Comey that sparked concern among Trump supporters. The image featured seashells arranged to spell “86 47” — a phrase some interpreted as a coded reference to killing the 47th president. The Secret Service interviewed Comey about the post on May 16. He denied any violent intent and deleted the image.

Noem also pointed to the attempted assassination of Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024, when a bullet narrowly missed the then-candidate’s head and grazed his ear.

Cole Lauterbach (Managing Editor) and Bast Bramhall (Video Editor) contributed to this report.

Tags: Assassination, Department of Homeland Security, Donald Trump, ICE, Immigration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Why this story matters

An individual in the United States is in federal custody following allegations of threatening the life of the president, raising concerns about security, immigration enforcement and political rhetoric.

Security threats against public figures

The alleged assassination threat highlights ongoing challenges and protocols in protecting high-profile public officials such as President Donald Trump.

Immigration enforcement

The suspect's repeated illegal border crossings and criminal history bring renewed attention to debates over immigration policy and law enforcement.

Political rhetoric and public discourse

Statements from officials, such as Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and references to previous incidents illustrate concerns about how political language can influence public sentiment and potentially encourage violence.

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Behind the numbers

According to multiple sources, Ramon Morales-Reyes, a 54-year-old Mexican national, allegedly entered the U.S. illegally at least nine times between 1998 and 2005. Authorities note he has a criminal record including felony hit-and-run, criminal property damage, and disorderly conduct with a domestic abuse modifier. He was arrested on May 22, 2025, after sending the threat.

Context corner

Threats against political figures in the U.S. have historical precedent, with security agencies maintaining vigilance due to past assassination attempts and politically motivated violence. President Trump himself survived a previous assassination attempt in 2024. High-profile targets typically prompt increased security and caution among law enforcement and political leaders, influencing public safety measures and dialogues on political rhetoric.

Debunking

A claim referenced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem connects former FBI Director James Comey’s social media post to calls for violence against Trump. Comey denied these interpretations, stating in interviews that attributing violent intent to his post is, in his words, “crazy,” and he has since deleted the post, reiterating his opposition to political violence.

Policy impact

The arrest is likely to inform debates over immigration enforcement, deportation policy, and the safeguarding of public officials. It may be used to justify calls for tougher border controls, as well as reviewing procedures in identifying and removing individuals with criminal records or who are deemed security risks.