Ohio Man Faces Federal Charges for Threatening Immigration Agents
Columbus, Ohio – A 21-year-old man from Columbus, Ohio, is facing federal charges after allegedly making threats on social media against federal immigration agents. Justin Mesael Novoa is accused of posting messages that included threats to “shoot” and “blast” agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the charges of making threatening interstate communications, including threats to assault or murder a federal law enforcement officer.
According to court documents, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) became aware of the threats made on X. One message, posted under the username @Father2High, stated “they should blast every ice agent they find.” Another post read, “can’t wait to shoot these p—y ice agents and r——d maga maggots.”
Following the investigation, federal agents executed a search warrant at Novoa’s home in December 2025. During the search, authorities found a number of weapons including two rifles, two shotguns, and one handgun, along with ammunition. Agents also found two helmets and body armor. A pro-Palestinian flag was hanging on a wall near the weapons and body armor.
The charges against Novoa highlight the seriousness of making threats against law enforcement officers. Such threats not only endanger the lives of the targeted individuals but also undermine the rule of law. Law enforcement agencies like ICE are tasked with enforcing our nation’s immigration laws, and threats against them are seen as unacceptable attacks on our country’s sovereignty and security.
This case raises important questions about the current political climate and the rhetoric used in online spaces. The inflammatory language used in Novoa’s alleged posts reflects a growing trend of extreme viewpoints being amplified on social media. It also underscores the dangers of allowing radical ideologies to take root, potentially leading to real-world violence.
It’s important to support the men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities and uphold our laws. Threatening them is not only illegal but also morally wrong.
Novoa could face up to 10 years in prison for threatening to kill a federal officer, and up to five years for making threatening interstate communications.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy D. Prichard. A criminal complaint contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. The DOJ did not indicate whether additional charges are expected and no injuries were reported in connection with the case.
