Background on the Individual and Context
Ramón Morales Reyes, a 54-year-old Mexican migrant, was apprehended by US authorities after allegedly threatening to shoot President Donald Trump during one of his rallies. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported this incident on Wednesday, sharing an image of the threatening letter Morales sent to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent.
Family History of Deportation
In his letter, Morales claimed that ICE had been deporting members of his family, though he did not specify any individuals. This context sheds light on the personal motivations behind his actions.
Previous Attempts on Trump’s Life
During his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump faced two assassination attempts. These incidents included a shooting at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The suspects in both cases were US citizens.
Response from the Department of Homeland Security
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem issued a statement urging politicians and media members to lower the tone of their rhetoric, citing these repeated attempts on Trump’s life.
Morales’ Illegal Entry and Criminal History
According to the DHS, Morales entered the United States illegally at least nine times between 1998 and 2005. He had previously been detained for hit-and-run offenses and other crimes, as noted by the department.
Current Status
Morales is currently in custody by immigration authorities in Wisconsin, awaiting deportation, as reported by the DHS.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Ramón Morales Reyes? A 54-year-old Mexican migrant who was arrested for allegedly threatening to shoot President Donald Trump.
- What was the nature of his threat? Morales reportedly sent a letter to an ICE agent stating he would shoot Trump in the head at one of his rallies.
- Why did Morales make this threat? He claimed that ICE had been deporting members of his family, though no specific individuals were mentioned.
- What is the response from the Department of Homeland Security? Secretary Kristi Noem called for a decrease in heated rhetoric from politicians and media, citing previous attempts on Trump’s life.
- What is Morales’ immigration history? He entered the US illegally multiple times between 1998 and 2005, with prior arrests for hit-and-run offenses and other crimes.
- What is Morales’ current status? He is currently detained by immigration authorities in Wisconsin, awaiting deportation.
