South Dakota Governor Comments on ICE Arrest of Threatening Alien

Key Takeaways

• ICE arrested Ramon Morales-Reyes on May 22, 2025, after his letter threatened to assassinate President Trump.
• Morales-Reyes has a history of nine illegal entries and multiple criminal convictions in the U.S.
• The arrest follows Executive Order 14159 focusing on threats, criminals, and repeated illegal entries.

On May 22, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Ramon Morales-Reyes, a 54-year-old Mexican national, in Wisconsin after he allegedly mailed a handwritten letter threatening to assassinate President Trump. The letter, which ICE received on May 21, included a direct threat and a claim that Morales-Reyes would “self deport” to Mexico after using a rifle to shoot Trump at a rally. Morales-Reyes, who has a long history of illegal entries into the United States 🇺🇸 and several criminal convictions, is now being held at Dodge County Jail in Juneau, Wisconsin. He is awaiting removal proceedings, which could result in his deportation to Mexico 🇲🇽.

This arrest comes at a time of heightened concern about threats to public officials and increased immigration enforcement. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who previously served as South Dakota Governor, quickly released a statement praising ICE for their swift action. She also called for politicians and the media to lower the intensity of their language, especially after recent violent incidents involving President Trump.

Below, we break down the key facts, policy background, and what this case means for immigrants, law enforcement, and the wider community.

Immediate Response: How ICE Handled the Threat

When ICE received the threatening letter on May 21, 2025, they acted quickly. Within 24 hours, agents identified, located, and arrested Ramon Morales-Reyes in Wisconsin. The arrest was part of a coordinated effort between ICE and local law enforcement. Morales-Reyes is now in ICE custody, where he will remain until his removal case is decided.

Key steps in the process included:

1. Threat Identification: ICE received the letter and determined it was a credible threat.
2. Investigation: ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) worked together to confirm the source and seriousness of the threat.
3. Arrest: ICE agents, with help from local police, arrested Morales-Reyes.
4. Detention: Morales-Reyes was taken to Dodge County Jail and placed in ICE custody.
5. Removal Proceedings: An immigration court will now decide if Morales-Reyes should be deported.
6. Public Communication: ICE and DHS issued statements to inform the public and discourage similar threats.

This rapid response highlights ICE’s current focus on threats to national security and public safety, especially when they involve high-profile figures like President Trump.

Background: Who Is Ramon Morales-Reyes?

Ramon Morales-Reyes is a 54-year-old man from Mexico 🇲🇽 with a long history of entering the United States 🇺🇸 illegally. According to ICE records, he has crossed the border without permission at least nine times between 1998 and 2005. His criminal record in the United States includes:

• Felony hit-and-run
• Criminal damage to property
• Disorderly conduct with a domestic abuse modifier

These offenses, combined with his repeated illegal entries, made him a top priority for ICE under current enforcement guidelines.

Policy Context: Why Was ICE So Quick to Act?

The arrest of Morales-Reyes happened under new enforcement priorities set by Executive Order 14159, issued on January 29, 2025. This order directs DHS and ICE to focus on:

• Threats to national security and public safety
• Individuals with criminal convictions
• People who have re-entered the United States 🇺🇸 illegally after being removed

Morales-Reyes fits all three categories. As a result, ICE moved quickly to arrest him and start removal proceedings. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this case shows how the current administration is using these priorities to justify fast and forceful action against noncitizens who pose a risk.

Statements from Key Officials

Kristi Noem (Homeland Security Secretary, former South Dakota Governor):
On May 28, 2025, Secretary Noem released a statement praising ICE officers for their work. She stressed the seriousness of repeated threats against President Trump, mentioning both the recent shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania and a controversial social media post by former FBI Director James Comey. Noem also urged politicians and the media to “tone down their rhetoric,” saying that heated language can contribute to real-world violence.

South Dakota Officials:
Attorney General Marty Jackley and Governor Larry Rhoden have been working with ICE to create new agreements that allow state officials to help enforce immigration laws. These agreements focus on violent criminals and drug dealers. Under these deals, state officers can ask about a person’s immigration status and, in some cases, make arrests without a warrant.

How State and Federal Agencies Work Together

South Dakota is one of several states seeking more authority to help enforce immigration laws. The state is using Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which lets local law enforcement officers act as limited immigration agents after special training. There are two main models:

• Jail Enforcement Model: Local officers can check the immigration status of people already in jail.
• Task Force Model: Officers can help ICE with field operations, such as arresting people with outstanding removal orders.

These agreements are designed to target people with serious criminal records or who pose a threat to public safety. However, they also raise concerns about civil rights and the impact on immigrant communities.

For more details on Section 287(g) and how it works, you can visit the official ICE 287(g) program page.

Community Impact and Concerns

While law enforcement officials argue that these policies keep communities safe, advocacy groups warn of negative side effects. Organizations like South Dakota Voices for Peace say that aggressive enforcement can make immigrants afraid to report crimes, including serious offenses like labor or sex trafficking. If people fear that talking to the police could lead to deportation, they may stay silent, making it harder to catch real criminals.

Immigration lawyers also point out that ICE arrests in or near immigration courts are rare and usually reserved for people with criminal records or denied asylum claims. The recent increase in such arrests suggests a more aggressive approach under current policies.

Historical Context: How Did We Get Here?

The current wave of strict enforcement has roots in earlier policy changes. During the Obama administration, the federal government limited local involvement in immigration enforcement due to civil rights concerns. However, these restrictions were rolled back under President Trump in 2025, leading to more cooperation between ICE and state or local police.

The threat against President Trump is not an isolated event. Less than a year ago, Trump was shot in Butler, Pennsylvania, raising fears about political violence. These incidents have led to calls for stronger protection of public officials and tougher penalties for threats.

What Happens Next for Morales-Reyes?

Morales-Reyes will remain in ICE custody until his removal case is decided by an immigration judge. If the judge orders his removal, ICE will coordinate his deportation to Mexico 🇲🇽. The process can take weeks or even months, depending on legal challenges and appeals.

Key facts about the case:

• Suspect: Ramon Morales-Reyes, 54, Mexican national
• Date of Threat: May 21, 2025
• Date of Arrest: May 22, 2025
• Location of Arrest: Wisconsin (Dodge County Jail, Juneau)
• Criminal Record: Felony hit-and-run, property damage, disorderly conduct (domestic abuse)
• Immigration History: At least 9 illegal entries (1998-2005)
• Current Status: In ICE custody, pending removal

Broader Implications: What Does This Mean for Immigration Policy?

The Morales-Reyes case is likely to influence ongoing debates about immigration enforcement, public safety, and civil liberties. Supporters of strict enforcement say that cases like this prove the need for tough action against noncitizens who threaten public officials or have criminal records. They argue that cooperation between state and federal agencies makes it easier to remove dangerous individuals.

On the other hand, critics worry that these policies can go too far, leading to racial profiling, wrongful arrests, and fear in immigrant communities. They point out that most immigrants are law-abiding and that aggressive enforcement can make it harder to build trust between police and the people they serve.

Key points in the debate:

• Law Enforcement: ICE and DHS stress the need for quick action to protect public officials and the public.
• Legal Community: Immigration attorneys warn that aggressive tactics may violate due process and discourage people from seeking legal help.
• Advocacy Groups: Community organizations say that fear of deportation can silence victims and witnesses, making everyone less safe.

Recent Policy Changes and Enforcement Trends

Under President Trump, ICE has increased arrests, especially of people with criminal records or who have re-entered the United States 🇺🇸 after being deported. The agency has also started making more arrests in and near immigration courts, a practice that was rare in the past. These changes are part of a broader strategy to speed up removals and deter threats.

However, there are limits to how many people ICE can remove at once. Legal challenges, limited resources, and the need to follow due process mean that mass removals are difficult to carry out.

Practical Guidance for Immigrants and Community Members

If you or someone you know is concerned about immigration enforcement, here are some steps you can take:

• Know Your Rights: Everyone in the United States 🇺🇸 has certain rights, regardless of immigration status. You have the right to remain silent and to speak to a lawyer.
• Stay Informed: Follow updates from official sources like the ICE Newsroom for the latest information.
• Seek Legal Help: If you are facing removal proceedings, contact a qualified immigration attorney or organizations like the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
• Report Crimes: If you are a victim or witness to a crime, you can still report it to the police. Many local departments have policies to protect victims, regardless of immigration status.

Summary Table: Key Facts

Looking Ahead: What to Watch For

• Removal Proceedings: The outcome of Morales-Reyes’s case will set an example for how similar threats are handled in the future.
• Policy Expansion: South Dakota and other states may push for more authority to help enforce immigration laws, especially after high-profile incidents.
• National Debate: The case will likely fuel ongoing arguments about the right balance between public safety and protecting civil liberties.

For more information and official updates, visit the ICE Newsroom.

Conclusion

The arrest of Ramon Morales-Reyes by ICE after his alleged threat against President Trump highlights the current administration’s focus on public safety and strict immigration enforcement. With support from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, formerly the South Dakota Governor, and new agreements between state and federal agencies, the United States 🇺🇸 is seeing a shift toward more aggressive action against noncitizens who pose a risk. However, this approach also raises important questions about civil rights, community trust, and the real-world impact on immigrants and their families.

As this case moves through the courts, it will serve as a test of current policies and a signal of what’s to come in the ongoing debate over immigration, enforcement, and public safety.

Learn Today

ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws and investigating threats.
Executive Order 14159 → A 2025 order prioritizing enforcement against threats, criminals, and repeat illegal entrants in the U.S.
Removal Proceedings → Legal process determining whether a noncitizen will be deported from the United States.
Section 287(g) → A law allowing trained local officers to assist federal immigration enforcement under limited authority.
Felony hit-and-run → A serious criminal offense involving leaving the scene of an accident causing harm.

This Article in a Nutshell

ICE swiftly arrested Ramon Morales-Reyes in Wisconsin after a credible assassination threat to President Trump, highlighting strict enforcement under new immigration priorities. His criminal record and repeated illegal entries triggered immediate removal proceedings. This case illustrates enhanced state-federal cooperation amid rising concerns about public safety and political violence in 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com