Immigration authorities arrested a 54-year-old illegal migrant from Mexico who allegedly mailed a letter threatening to assassinate President Donald Trump. The man, identified as Ramon Morales-Reyes, was taken into custody on May 22, just one day after an ICE field intelligence officer received the handwritten threat.

The contents of the letter were unambiguous. According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Morales-Reyes wrote, “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.” The weapon referenced appears to be a .30-06 rifle.

Morales-Reyes’s threat comes amid rising concerns about political violence, especially following the 2024 assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, and incendiary remarks from public figures like former FBI Director James Comey, who recently suggested “ending” Trump in a cryptic post.

In her statement, Noem applauded ICE agents and warned the public to take political rhetoric seriously. “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,” she said. “All politicians and members of the media should take notice of these repeated attempts on President Trump’s life and tone down their rhetoric.”

According to DHS, Morales-Reyes is far from a first-time offender. He has illegally crossed into the U.S. at least nine times between 1998 and 2005. His criminal record includes felony hit-and-run, disorderly conduct involving domestic abuse, and criminal damage to property. Officials believe he has ties to additional crimes and remains under investigation.

After his latest arrest, ICE placed him in custody at the Dodge County Jail in Wisconsin, where he will remain pending deportation proceedings. Given his extensive illegal crossings and violent history, authorities are likely to take extra precautions in his handling.

The incident has once again turned the spotlight on immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. Since returning to office, President Trump has prioritized deporting violent offenders and increasing scrutiny of those with criminal backgrounds. His administration recently paused all student visa interviews to overhaul vetting procedures and continues its effort to eliminate sanctuary policies nationwide.

Noem said the arrest underscores why Trump’s hardline stance on immigration and national security remains so critical. “I will continue to take all measures necessary to ensure the protection of President Trump,” she said.

The chilling letter and subsequent arrest are also reigniting debate over the role that extreme political language is playing in fanning threats. The alleged threat from Morales-Reyes reads more like a manifesto than a spontaneous outburst, and with his history of deportations and domestic crimes, critics are questioning how he managed to re-enter the country at all.

While ICE agents swiftly responded to the threat in this case, critics warn it may not be the last. As the 2026 midterms approach and tensions rise, authorities are urging vigilance — and the White House is making clear it won’t hesitate to act when the safety of the president is on the line.