Texas Man Ordered to Remain in Jail for Online Threats Against ICE Agents and Homeland Security Secretary
A Texas man accused of making online threats against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was ordered by a judge on Wednesday to remain in jail.
Robert King, 35, was charged with transmitting interstate threats in federal court on Monday. Following a hearing in Dallas on Wednesday afternoon, U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee Toliver ruled that King must stay in detention, Fox News confirmed.
Judge Toliver stated that King poses both a flight risk and a danger to the community, which solidified her decision. This ruling came despite King’s attorney arguing that he has no prior criminal charges, no weapons, and has been seeking treatment for mental health issues, including depression and suicidal thoughts.
King was visibly upset by the ruling and was seen crying as he left the courtroom.
Background of the Case
King was arrested in McKinney, Texas, on March 29 after allegedly posting threats on Facebook targeting ICE agents and Secretary Noem. In one post, King shared a PBS NewsHour article and wrote: "I truly hope, and I mean this with all my heart, that Kristi Noem meets a horrible and agonizing demise. I hope she is tried in a war criminal court with the rest of the Nazis when this is all over, and I hope she is ripped apart in a gulag. Nothing less for a Nazi scum. This is America now, a Nazi fascist state. Disgusting."
In a second post, King threatened to kill ICE agents, describing them as "a secret police force with no real legal authority" and stating that he would "open fire" on them if he saw agents in his neighborhood. A few days later, he doubled down on the threat, writing: *"Just wanna double down on what I said the other day: if ICE comes to your neighborhood, f** shoot them and kill them. No mercy for the Gestapo."*
Hearing Details
During Wednesday’s hearing, a government attorney revealed that King’s social media threats were brought to light through the national FBI tip line. King was living with his sister and brother-in-law, who is currently a police officer and a former Customs and Border Protection agent, at the time he allegedly made the threats. This led to him being thrown out of their home.
King will remain in Kaufman County detention, though his attorney has requested a transfer to another facility so he can access mental health treatment and necessary medications.
Fox News Digital’s Louis Casiano contributed to this report.
For the latest updates and more news, visit ZTC News and Z News Today. Stay informed with our trusted sources!