Mexican National Arrested for Alleged Threat to Assassinate Former President Donald Trump

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal immigration authorities have arrested a 54-year-old Mexican national, Ramon Morales Reyes, on charges of threatening to assassinate former President Donald Trump, according to a statement released Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The arrest stems from a handwritten letter allegedly sent by Morales Reyes to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer. In the letter, Reyes explicitly threatened violence against the former president, writing that he intended to “shoot your precious president in [his] head” at a future Trump campaign rally. The letter also contained anti-government and racially charged rhetoric, expressing deep frustration over U.S. immigration policies.

The message accused the U.S. government of deporting members of Morales Reyes’ family, though no specific individuals were named. It also included inflammatory language aimed at both the former president and white Americans:

“We are tired of this president messing with us Mexicans – we have done more for this country than you white people.”

DHS officials took the threat seriously given the current climate of political volatility and prior attempts on Trump’s life. The arrest follows two previous assassination attempts during the 2024 presidential campaign season, including a shooting incident at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Both of those prior suspects were U.S. citizens, while this case marks the first involving a foreign national in recent threats.

Heightened Security and Political Response

In response to the arrest, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called for calm and a reduction in incendiary political discourse.

“In this time of political tension, it is vital that we step back from language that fuels hatred and division. Threats against any political figure, especially a former president, are not only unacceptable—they are criminal,” said Secretary Noem.

DHS has stated that Morales Reyes is currently in federal custody, pending further investigation. Immigration officials are coordinating with the U.S. Secret Service and the FBI to determine whether he had the means or intent to carry out the threat and whether he acted alone or as part of a broader network.

Legal Proceedings and Immigration Status

Morales Reyes’ current immigration status is under review. Authorities have confirmed that he has a prior history of immigration-related offenses, though no violent criminal record has yet been disclosed publicly.

He is expected to face federal charges related to making threats against a former U.S. president, a serious felony under federal law that can carry substantial prison time. Additional charges related to threats against federal officers and possible immigration violations may also be filed.

Public and Political Reaction

The arrest has reignited debate over immigration enforcement, national security, and political violence in America. Supporters of Trump have pointed to the incident as evidence of growing hostility toward conservative political figures, while immigrant rights advocates have urged caution in linking criminal behavior to nationality or immigration status.

As the 2024 presidential campaign intensifies, federal officials have reiterated that any threats of violence—regardless of political motivation—will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The investigation into Morales Reyes remains active, and DHS is encouraging the public to report any suspicious or threatening behavior to federal authorities.