Federal Officers Confront Suspect: “Alright, You Got Me”

A person in handcuffs viewed from behind, wearing a plaid shirt and denim jeans

A Columbus man who allegedly posted violent threats against ICE agents on social media now faces up to 15 years in federal prison after investigators discovered an arsenal of weapons and tactical gear in his home alongside deeply disturbing antisemitic content.

Story Snapshot

Justin Novoa, 21, charged with threatening to kill ICE agents in posts calling to “blast every ice agent” and “shoot these p***y ice agents”
Federal agents seized two rifles, two shotguns, a handgun, body armor, and ammunition during December 2025 raid of his Columbus home
Social media account @Father2High also contained antisemitic posts calling for extermination of Jews and praising Hitler
Novoa admitted “Alright, you got me” when confronted by Homeland Security Investigations agents
Case highlights dangerous escalation of anti-law enforcement rhetoric targeting federal officers protecting our borders

Federal Charges Target Social Media Threats

Justin Mesael Novoa faces two federal counts after Homeland Security Investigations tracked violent threats posted to X (formerly Twitter) between June and November 2025. The 21-year-old Columbus resident allegedly wrote “they should blast every ice agent they find” on June 8, 2025, escalating to “can’t wait to shoot these p***y ice agents and ret****d maga maggots” by November 9. HSI received notification of the posts on December 11, obtaining subscriber data from X Corp. that linked the @Father2High account to Novoa’s email and Columbus-area phone number. The threats carry severe penalties: up to 10 years for threatening to assault or murder federal officers, and five years for threatening interstate communications.

Weapons Cache Discovered During Search

HSI agents executed a search warrant at Novoa’s Franklin County residence on December 20, 2025, uncovering a concerning array of weapons and tactical equipment. The seizure included two rifles, two shotguns, one handgun, ammunition, helmets, and a plate carrier vest typically used with body armor. Agents also documented a Palestinian flag displayed in the home. According to court documents, when federal officers arrived, Novoa immediately stated “Alright, you got me. That was me” and referenced Elon Musk. Notably, Novoa had no prior adult criminal history beyond 2023 traffic citations and was not legally prohibited from possessing firearms, making the threats rather than weapons possession the basis for federal charges.

Extremist Content Extends Beyond Anti-ICE Posts

Investigation of the @Father2High account revealed a disturbing pattern of extremist rhetoric extending far beyond anti-immigration enforcement sentiments. Federal prosecutors documented antisemitic posts calling Jews “subhuman” and “filthy” while advocating for their extermination and praising Adolf Hitler. This toxic combination of anti-law enforcement threats, hatred toward Jewish Americans, and pro-Palestinian symbolism represents exactly the kind of radicalized individual who poses genuine danger to federal officers doing their jobs. The Trump administration’s renewed commitment to enforcing immigration law has unfortunately made ICE agents targets for violent leftist extremists who prioritize open borders over rule of law. Protecting officers who risk their lives securing our borders must remain a top federal priority.

Case Reflects Broader Pattern of Threats

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio has prosecuted multiple similar cases targeting federal immigration enforcement personnel. A Cincinnati man faced indictment for ICE death threats following a July 2025 arrest, while another individual was charged for vandalizing Vice President Vance’s Ohio home. Acting HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey announced Novoa’s charges on January 22, 2026, emphasizing the operational risks to agents. U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy D. Prichard are building the case for maximum penalties. Novoa waived his detention hearing and remains held at Franklin County Jail pending a February 5, 2026 preliminary hearing, with the DOJ maintaining presumption of innocence pending trial.

Social Media Platforms Face Scrutiny Over Cooperation

X Corp.’s cooperation with federal investigators proved critical in identifying and apprehending Novoa, highlighting the essential role social media companies play in combating genuine threats versus protected speech. The case demonstrates how HSI has intensified monitoring of violent rhetoric following the January 2025 presidential inauguration and renewed immigration enforcement efforts. While platforms must balance free expression with public safety, direct threats to kill federal officers cross clear legal boundaries established by Supreme Court precedent requiring recklessness or intent. This prosecution sends a strong message that hiding behind anonymous social media accounts provides no shield for those threatening violence against law enforcement officers protecting American communities from illegal immigration.