COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man pleaded guilty in federal court here today to threatening on social media to kill federal immigration agents.
Justin Mesael Novoa, 21, admitted to two federal crimes: threatening to assault or murder a federal law enforcement officer and making threatening interstate communications.
According to charging documents, HSI received information in December 2025 regarding threats to ICE employees on the social media platform X. Investigation revealed that, in June 2025, Novoa allegedly posted: “they should blast every ice agent they find.”
Later, in November 2025, Novoa allegedly posted “can’t wait to shoot these p***y ice agents and r******d maga maggots.”
Novoa used the screennames “Lord of Frenzied Flame” and “Father2High.”
Federal agents executed a search warrant at Novoa’s residence in December 2025 and seized multiple firearms, including two rifles, two shotguns and one handgun, as well as ammunition. Novoa also possessed two military-style helmets and a body armor vest.
Novoa was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in January. A federal grand jury indicted him in February.
Threatening to kill a federal officer is a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Making threatening interstate communications carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Jared Murphey, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Prichard is representing the United States in this case.
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