A North Texas resident has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly threatening to assault and murder the President of the United States and unnamed agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to an announcement by United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
Francisco Jesus Mena, 36, from North Richland Hills, Texas, was charged by a federal grand jury on February 3, 2026. The indictment includes ten counts of threatening a federal official. Mena had previously been arrested based on a federal complaint related to these threats and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Harold R. Ray, Jr. on January 7, 2026. His arraignment is scheduled for February 11, 2026. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 96 years in federal prison.
“Any threat against the President, federal officials, and agents will be thoroughly investigated and swiftly prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Some individuals falsely believe that they are immune from criminal penalties by posting vitriol online and not in person. The diligent work of our law enforcement partners time and again uncovers those attempting to hide behind a computer screen.”
FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock stated: “The FBI takes online threats to federal officials and law enforcement seriously. Using online platforms to threaten the lives of others does not insulate an individual from consequences. We are committed to thoroughly investigating these crimes,” adding, “We ask that the public continue to remain vigilant and report suspicious online activity to law enforcement.”
According to the indictment, Mena is accused of making several threatening posts on a social media platform during May 2025 targeting both the President and ICE agents with violent rhetoric.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Dallas Field Office - Fort Worth Resident Agency along with the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Weybrecht is prosecuting the case.
Authorities emphasized that an indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct; Mena remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
