Armed Illegal Immigrant Arrested After Posting $10K Bounty on ICE Agents, DHS Says
An illegal immigrant was arrested in Dallas after allegedly offering a $10,000 bounty for the murder of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in a TikTok post, federal officials said Friday.
The Department of Homeland Security identified the suspect as Eduardo Aguilar, a Mexican national who reportedly posted on Oct. 9 seeking “10 dudes in Dallas with determination who aren’t afraid” and offering “10K for each ICE agent.” DHS says Aguilar was found with a loaded 9mm handgun in his vehicle when agents took him into custody.
Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin praised law enforcement, saying the quick arrest prevented what could have been a deadly attack. “Thanks to the quick work of law enforcement, this illegal alien who was offering $10,000 cash bounties for the murder of ICE law enforcement is in custody and facing federal charges,” she said in a statement. “We are thankful this illegal alien who had a firearm in his possession was arrested before he could kill one of our law enforcement officers.”
Aguilar faces federal charges, including transmitting a threat in interstate or foreign commerce. DHS noted that possession of a firearm by an undocumented immigrant is a felony. Officials also said Aguilar crossed the border illegally in 2018 as an unaccompanied minor and was ordered deported the following year. His record in the U.S. includes prior liquor-law violations, the agency added.
The arrest comes amid a wave of threats against federal immigration officers across the country. DHS has previously reported bounties placed on agents in other cities — including Chicago, where some offers reportedly reached $50,000 — and intelligence linking cartels and violent gangs to plots or spotter networks targeting federal personnel.
“These threats are escalating,” McLaughlin said, adding that agents face “ambushes, terrorist attacks, and death threats” while enforcing immigration laws. “We will not back down from these threats, and every criminal, terrorist, and illegal alien will face American justice,” she said.
The case follows a recent sniper attack near an ICE facility in Dallas that killed two detainees and was initially believed to have targeted agents. DHS officials have repeatedly warned of increased danger to immigration officers and said they are coordinating with local and federal partners to protect personnel.
Prosecutors will provide further details as the case moves through federal court. DHS declined to comment beyond its public statement.