A man in Florida is now in federal custody after allegedly posting violent threats against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers online. Joseph Giancola, known as "Cain Delon" on the social media platform Bluesky, was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents in Fort Myers.
The arrest comes as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reports a staggering 8,000% increase in death threats directed at ICE officers. This surge coincides with heightened debate and policy changes surrounding immigration enforcement.
According to DHS, Giancola’s alleged posts included explicit calls for violence, such as “Shoot the ICE Nazis down like the rabid dogs they are” and “Get out your guns and shoot them down.” The language used was deliberately inflammatory and targeted ICE personnel.
Beyond the dramatic rise in threats, ICE agents have also experienced a more than 1,000% increase in physical assaults. This escalating violence presents a serious danger to those tasked with enforcing immigration laws.
DHS officials condemned the threats as “cowardly and disgusting,” vowing to prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law. They emphasized a commitment to protecting law enforcement personnel and holding those who threaten them accountable.
The department directly attributed the increase in threats and assaults to what it describes as inflammatory rhetoric from politicians and the media. DHS specifically called out comparisons of ICE to the Nazi Gestapo, Secret Police, and slave patrols as particularly damaging.
These comparisons, DHS argues, have real-world consequences, dehumanizing dedicated public servants and inciting violence against them and their families. The department urged a more responsible tone in public discourse.
This arrest isn’t an isolated incident. Earlier this month, Eduardo Aguilar, a Mexican national residing illegally in Dallas, Texas, was arrested for allegedly offering $10,000 for the murder of an ICE agent on TikTok.
In another disturbing case in Texas, the spouse of an ICE officer received a threatening phone call referencing the fate of Nazis after World War II, a clear and chilling threat against the officer’s family.
DHS has been sounding the alarm about these escalating threats, providing examples to illustrate the severity of the situation. The department remains focused on safeguarding its personnel and ensuring those who resort to violence or threats face justice.
