Dallas, TX – A 23-year-old man from Mexico living illegally in the United States has been arrested for allegedly posting a TikTok video that solicited others to kill federal immigration agents in exchange for money.
Federal prosecutors say Eduardo Aguilar was taken into custody Tuesday after investigators traced a threatening social media post made on October 9.
Aguilar was charged in a federal complaint with transmitting a communication containing a threat in interstate or foreign commerce.
According to court records, the TikTok post — written in Spanish — displayed text that translated to: “I need 10 dudes in Dallas with determination (guts) who aren’t afraid to die,” followed by a second line offering “10K for each ICE agent.” Prosecutors said the message included two skull emojis used to imply the word “die.”
Federal officials condemn threat
Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson for the Northern District of Texas said Aguilar’s arrest underscores a zero-tolerance approach toward threats against law enforcement. “Anyone who threatens or puts a bounty on agents will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent possible,” Larson said.
FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock added that “the FBI takes threats of violence to our law enforcement partners seriously and will thoroughly investigate anyone that commits these types of offenses.”
Court appearance and detention
Aguilar made his initial court appearance Wednesday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Dallas, who ordered him held in federal custody pending further proceedings. If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison.
Joint investigation
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Dallas Field Office with assistance from the Dallas Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Protective Service, Homeland Security Investigations, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Garland Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Prosecutors emphasized that the complaint remains an allegation and that Aguilar is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
A TikTok post meant for shock value has landed its author in federal custody and under investigation for an alleged murder-for-hire threat.