The suspect, 48-year-old George Hernandez, allegedly made the threats in a Facebook comment in the aftermath of the operation that resulted in dozens being arrested.
SAN ANTONIO — A man is accused of making threats against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in a Facebook comment he posted ahead of a planned protest on Monday, according to an arrest affidavit.
Investigators said they were notified about a Facebook post advertising a protest and comments described as “inciting violence” that were made by the suspect, 48-year-old George Hernandez.
The post, which detectives said was posted on the Bexar County Democratic Party Facebook page, promoted an “emergency rally” in response to Sunday morning’s large-scale immigration raid on San Pedro Avenue and Basse Road that resulted in more than 140 detentions.
The post called for a peaceful protest at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. The affidavit states the post had collected hundreds of reactions and comments; among them was a comment made from an account belonging to Hernandez in which he allegedly advocated for the use of firearms and violence against law enforcement.
“We need to get all our f****** guns and, f*** it, start shooting all these m************,” Hernandez allegedly wrote. “I hate to say this, you want to bring the heat, expect the heat…”
Police said the statement prompted members of the public to contact law enforcement out of fear for their safety.
According to the affidavit, officers identified Hernandez through the registered Facebook account information including associated IP data, a confirmed home address and a phone number connected to the profile. Facebook later provided subscriber information confirming the account belonged to him, investigators said.
Officials said Hernandez knowingly made a threat of violence that could cause public fear or place others in danger of serious bodily injury. He faces a third-degree felony charge of making terroristic threats and booked into the Bexar County jail on Wednesday; his bond was set at $35,000, court records show.