Ohio man charged with threatening federal ICE agents online had guns
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A Columbus, Ohio, man who allegedly threatened to “shoot” and “explode” federal immigration officials on social media has been federally charged after agents later found rifles, ammunition and body armor at his home. prosecutors said.
Justin Mesael Novoa, 21, was charged with making threatening interstate communications, including threats to attack or kill a federal law enforcement officer, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Thursday.
According to charging documents, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received information about threats against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) employees last month.
Investigators say Novoa posted a message on June 8, 2025, under the username @Father2High, stating that they “needed to detonate every ice agent they found.”
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X posts by Justin Mesael Novoa, who allegedly threatened to kill ICE agents on social media, have been corrected. (Ministry of Justice)
Prosecutors say the same account later posted another message on Nov. 9, 2025: “Can’t wait to shoot these ice agents and ar—–d maga grubs.”
Federal agents executed a search warrant at Novoa’s home in December 2025, according to court records.
During the search, authorities seized two rifles, two shotguns and a handgun, as well as ammunition, prosecutors said. Agents also seized two helmets and body armor, according to the Department of Justice.
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Justice Department records show guns law enforcement seized from Novoa’s home. (Ministry of Justice)
Along with guns and body armor, a pro-Palestinian flag hung on the wall in Novoa’s home.
Prosecutors said threatening to kill a federal officer could carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, while making threatening interstate communications could result in up to five years in prison.
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Justice Department photos show items allegedly seized from Novoa’s home, including a pro-Palestinian flag. (Ministry of Justice)
The case was announced by Dominick S. Gerace II, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Jared Murphey, acting special agent in charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Detroit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy D. Prichard, according to the Department of Justice.
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Criminal charges contain allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The Justice Department did not say whether additional charges were expected and no injuries were reported in the case.
