A video circulating on social media shows a man telling his followers to carry knives and disable U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicles, urging followers to “pop” tires and use violence against agents.
In the clip the man urges followers to confront ICE vehicles and spoke in graphic terms about attacking them.
Federal and local law-enforcement officials said they are aware of the post and are reviewing it.
Encouraging or carrying out attacks on federal officers or their vehicles can lead to serious criminal charges — including assault, possession of a weapon in commission of a felony, and offenses related to interfering with federal operations.
Social platforms where the video appeared have policies prohibiting content that incites violence. Some platforms removed the clip after it spread; others flagged it for review. Representatives for the hosting platforms declined immediate comment.
An ICE spokesperson said the agency treats threats against its personnel seriously and works with federal and local partners to investigate and prosecute those who plot or carry out violence.
Local police departments also said they monitor violent threats that could endanger officers or the public and urged anyone with information about the video or the person who posted it to contact authorities.
Legal experts note that public calls for violent action rarely fall under protected speech and can prompt criminal investigation when they are specific, targeted, and likely to incite imminent lawless action.
If you witnessed the incident or have tips, law-enforcement officials ask that you report them to your local police or the FBI tip line so investigators can assess any immediate threat and pursue appropriate charges.
