WASHINGTON, DC – Homeland Security issued a press release earlier in June alleging that an illegal immigrant who’d previously been granted a DACA status during the Obama administration was acting as a “ringleader” in the foiled terrorism plot targeting the UFC Freedom 250 event held at the White House.
According to local reporting out of Nebraska, 31-year-old Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez was arrested on June 14th during an executed raid carried out at a dilapidated church located in the town of Western due to his alleged connection to the terrorism plot aimed at the White House.
Officials claim Alvarez served as a ringleader in the alleged plot targeting the UFC Freedom 250 event, with Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel of the FBI Omaha Field Office claiming Alvarez assisted with recruiting would-be extremists and outlining schematics for the failed plot.
“From his home here in Nebraska, Alvarez allegedly directed and recruited others across the country to conduct a horrific attack against government officials in a mass casualty event. Our team worked around the clock to locate and apprehend Alvarez, take him into custody, and collect crucial evidence,” SAC Kowel said in a statement following Alvarez’s arrest.
The old church building that was subject to the FBI raid earlier in June was reportedly owned by Alvarez, with officials claiming he intended the building to be used as a “safe zone” for himself and those he allegedly recruited for the terrorism plot.
According to Homeland Security, Alvarez, who is facing federal charges of conspiracy to commit an offense against the U.S. and conspiracy to commit murder, is a Mexican citizen who was residing illegally in the country after overstaying on a B2 visitor visa. Alvarez’s B2 visa reportedly expired back in 2001, with the Obama administration granting him DACA status back in 2014.
Homeland Security Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement on the matter that Alvarez should’ve never been allowed to stay in the country in light of his current allegations alongside his illegal status, saying, “This illegal alien from Mexico should never have been allowed in our country. He was the ringleader of a failed terror attack targeting UFC Freedom 250 at the White House. He and his co-conspirators now face charges of conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to commit violence on White House grounds. He will face justice and swiftly be removed from our country.”
If convicted on both counts, Alvarez could face life in federal prison and fines as high as $250,000 for each count. Alvarez made his initial appearance in court on June 16th.
He remains in custody following his initial court appearance, with his detention and preliminary hearing scheduled for June 24 at 2 p.m., according to Nebraska Public Media.
Comments