Man Convicted for Framing Immigrant as Trump Assassin

Demetric Scott forged threats against Trump to get a key witness deported, fooling Kristi Noem's DHS in the process.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:31am

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Demetric Scott, 52, was found guilty of felony identity theft, witness intimidation, reckless endangerment, and bail jumping for forging threats against Donald Trump's life in a bid to get a key witness against him, 54-year-old Ramón Morales Reyes, deported. Scott knocked Morales Reyes off his bicycle, cut him with a box cutter, and then sent letters signed as Morales Reyes claiming he planned to open fire on Trump at a campaign event, triggering a response from security services. However, investigators quickly noticed discrepancies and discovered Scott had schemed from jail to have ICE detain Morales Reyes so the case against him would collapse.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of false claims and misinformation being spread by government officials, as well as the trauma experienced by immigrants caught up in such schemes. It also raises questions about the due diligence and accountability of agencies like the Department of Homeland Security under Kristi Noem's leadership.

The details

Scott was found guilty on several felony charges, including identity theft, witness intimidation, and reckless endangerment, for his role in framing Morales Reyes as a would-be Trump assassin. From jail, Scott sent letters signed as Morales Reyes claiming he planned to open fire on Trump, triggering a response from security services. However, investigators quickly noticed discrepancies in the letters and discovered Scott's scheme to have ICE detain Morales Reyes to undermine the case against him.

  • In September 2023, Scott knocked Morales Reyes off his bicycle, cut him with a box cutter, and took off on the bike himself.
  • In May 2025, ICE officers picked up Morales Reyes outside his child's school and branded him a would-be Trump assassin.
  • On January 30, 2026, Scott was found guilty of the charges against him.

The players

Demetric Scott

A 52-year-old man who was found guilty of framing Ramón Morales Reyes as a would-be Trump assassin in order to get him deported.

Ramón Morales Reyes

A 54-year-old man who was falsely accused by Scott of planning to assassinate President Trump, leading to his detention by ICE.

Kristi Noem

The Homeland Security Secretary who trumpeted Morales Reyes' arrest as a would-be Trump assassin, despite a lack of due diligence.

Cain Oulahan

The immigration lawyer representing Morales Reyes, who said his client has been "traumatized" by the ordeal.

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What they’re saying

“He's been traumatized by going through all this, all these different levels that feel like victimization.”

— Cain Oulahan, Immigration Lawyer

“Thanks to our ICE officers, this illegal alien who threatened to assassinate President Trump is behind bars.”

— Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary

What’s next

Scott faces up to 26 years in prison when he is sentenced on February 27, 2026, and also has a separate burglary case pending.

The takeaway

This case highlights the dangers of false claims and misinformation being spread by government officials, as well as the trauma experienced by immigrants caught up in such schemes. It also raises questions about the due diligence and accountability of agencies like the Department of Homeland Security under Kristi Noem's leadership.