A New York man is facing federal charges after allegedly threatening to murder an ICE agent and his children, underscoring the escalating hatred that law enforcement officers face in today’s political climate. The Department of Justice charged 43-year-old Matthew White of Jamestown, New York, with communicating interstate threats after he allegedly posted repeated death threats on social media targeting ICE officers.

According to federal prosecutors, White’s threats were explicit and direct. On April 18, he allegedly posted on X, “Kill them all, ICE is the new age Gestapo, stop them.” Just days later, he escalated, allegedly declaring, “Understand that if your ICE agents don’t show proof of identity and a signed warrant, we will kill them” in response to a video of Border Czar Tom Homan. In perhaps the most chilling post, White allegedly threatened, “I can’t wait to put a bullet into this guy’s brain, but first his children,” referring to an ICE agent pictured online.

Authorities discovered the threats after White allowed investigators to extract and copy the contents of his phone in late April, confirming the posts were his. White was arrested and made his initial federal court appearance on July 1, where he was released under pre-trial conditions pending further proceedings.

The threats come at a time when ICE and Border Patrol officers are under increasing attack, both physically and rhetorically, as the Trump administration steps up deportation efforts and cracks down on sanctuary cities. The administration has prioritized removing violent criminals and sex offenders who are illegally in the United States, arguing that protecting American families should not be a partisan issue.

ICE’s Erin Keegan issued a statement following the arrest, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to protecting its officers and the public. “The defendant stands accused of making vile threats against officers and agents who risk their lives every day to uphold an oath they swore to protect the public—even those who wish them harm. There is no place in our community for such hate against any human beings, including and especially innocent children,” Keegan said.

Officials say the threats represent a broader trend of violent rhetoric fueled by political and activist groups seeking to demonize law enforcement, including ICE, Border Patrol, and local police who cooperate with federal agencies to enforce the law. The climate of hostility, they argue, endangers officers, their families, and the communities they serve.

“Let it be known, HSI Buffalo is unflinchingly committed to finding and investigating any individuals who threaten, or who are intent on hurting, members of our law enforcement community,” Keegan added.

The Biden administration faced criticism during its tenure for weakening immigration enforcement, with a surge in sanctuary policies that hindered federal efforts to remove criminal aliens. President Trump’s return to office has brought a renewed focus on law enforcement, border security, and support for ICE agents facing increasing hostility on the ground.

Tom Homan, the Trump administration’s Border Czar, has warned that such threats are part of a broader campaign by radical activists who aim to dismantle immigration enforcement altogether, regardless of the consequences for American communities. Homan has pledged that the administration will “triple down” on deportations, with a particular focus on sanctuary cities that shield criminals from removal.

As the legal process unfolds for Matthew White, the case stands as a reminder of the dangerous environment created when rhetoric crosses the line into violent threats against officers tasked with enforcing the law. The administration’s stance is clear: protecting those who protect Americans will remain a top priority, and violent threats will not be tolerated, no matter how politically motivated they may be.