U.P. Man Indicted for Facebook Threats Against ICE Agents

Justin Ward faces up to 5 years in prison if convicted of threatening to kill immigration officers

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A 33-year-old man from Ironwood, Michigan has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly posting threats on Facebook to kill Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Justin Ward is charged with using interstate commerce to transmit threats to injure another person, which carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in federal prison if convicted.

Why it matters

Threats against federal law enforcement officials are taken very seriously, especially in the current political climate around immigration enforcement. This case highlights the potential legal consequences for individuals who make online threats, even if they are not acted upon.

The details

According to officials, Ward "posted threats to kill ICE agents on Facebook." The indictment was handed down by a federal grand jury on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

  • Ward was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 19, 2026.

The players

Justin Ward

A 33-year-old man from Ironwood, Michigan who was indicted for allegedly posting threats on Facebook to kill Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that Ward is accused of threatening.

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What’s next

If convicted, Ward faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in federal prison.

The takeaway

This case underscores the serious legal consequences that can result from making online threats against federal law enforcement, even if they are not acted upon.