DHS Secretary Noem's Trump Threat Claim Unravels as Evidence Points to Framing

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's public claim that an immigrant threatened President Donald Trump's life is being contradicted by investigators. Noem announced the arrest of Ramon Morales Reyes, a 54-year-old undocumented immigrant, claiming he wrote a threatening letter expressing intent to kill Trump at a rally. The announcement received significant media attention and was amplified by the White House and Trump allies on social media.

Investigators now believe Morales Reyes may have been framed to trigger his deportation before he could testify as a victim in an upcoming assault trial. Law enforcement officials determined that Morales Reyes' handwriting did not match the threatening letter, which was sent to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other agencies. Despite concluding the threat was not credible, Homeland Security officials proceeded with publicizing the claims against Morales Reyes.

Morales Reyes works as a dishwasher in Milwaukee where he lives with his wife and three children. His attorney, Kime Abduli, stated he could not have written the letter as he lacks formal education, cannot write in Spanish, and does not speak English. Morales Reyes had recently applied for a U visa, which is designated for undocumented immigrants who become victims of serious crimes, and is currently being held at a county jail in Wisconsin.

The Milwaukee Police Department confirmed it is investigating an identity theft and victim intimidation incident related to this case, while the county district attorney's office stated the investigation remains ongoing. Morales Reyes has an upcoming hearing in a Chicago immigration court where his attorney hopes he will be released on bond. His legal team is requesting a clarification and correction from the Department of Homeland Security to clear his name of the allegations.