Mexican national living in Dallas charged after allegedly offering $10,000 for each ICE agent to be killed in TikTok post
Dallas, Texas – Federal authorities announced the arrest of a 23-year-old man from Mexico living in Dallas who allegedly used TikTok to solicit others to kill Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The suspect, Eduardo Aguilar, was taken into custody on Tuesday and charged by federal complaint for transmitting a communication containing a threat in interstate or foreign commerce, according to Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Nancy E. Larson.
The criminal complaint stems from a TikTok post made on October 9, 2025, in which Aguilar reportedly offered payment for the killing of ICE agents. The post, written in Spanish and featuring both black-and-white and red-and-white text, stated: “I need 10 dudes in Dallas with determination (guts) who aren’t afraid to [two skull emojis].” Prosecutors explained that the skull emojis are commonly used as a substitute for the word “die.” The post further read: “10K for each ICE agent.”
Authorities say the TikTok message amounted to a solicitation for violence and an attempt to incite others to target federal officers. The seriousness of the post prompted an immediate investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
Federal Officials Condemn the Threat
“Threats against our law enforcement officers are completely unacceptable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson in a statement announcing the arrest. “All threats against our agents and officers will be investigated thoroughly, and anyone who threatens or puts a bounty on agents will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.”
The FBI also emphasized the gravity of the situation. “The FBI takes threats of violence to our law enforcement partners seriously and will thoroughly investigate anyone that commits these types of offenses,” said R. Joseph Rothrock, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Dallas field office.
Arrest, Charges, and Legal Proceedings
Aguilar made his initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Dallas, who ordered that he remain detained in federal custody pending further proceedings. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
Federal prosecutors stressed that the case remains in its early stages and that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation, not proof of guilt. As with all defendants, Aguilar is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Multi-Agency Investigation
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Dallas, with assistance from several partner agencies including the Dallas Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Protective Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – ERO, the Garland Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives – Dallas Field Division.
Federal officials underscored that this case demonstrates how law enforcement agencies at every level are working together to track, identify, and stop potential threats against officers. The collaborative investigation highlights the seriousness with which the government treats social media threats and incitement to violence against federal employees.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging the public to report any threats or suspicious online activity involving violence against law enforcement.
