A Michigan man was arrested and charged after months of alleged social media threats against Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and other law enforcement personnel.
Federal prosecutors announced the arrest of Michael Gary Petersen, 41, of Melvindale, Michigan, on July 16, 2026. He faces charges that include making threats to kill ICE agents and other law enforcement officers, a federal official said. The charging documents allege a months-long pattern of violent threats posted online between January and July 2026.
Officials named in the announcement included U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., along with Homeland Security Investigations and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations representatives. The criminal complaint cites counts of threatening to assault or murder a law enforcement officer and interstate communications involving threats. Those charges are federal felonies and carry serious potential penalties if proven at trial.
The complaint describes multiple social media posts and replies where Petersen allegedly urged violence against officers and critics. Investigators say he repeatedly encouraged followers to shoot law enforcement in the face and promoted attacks on agents. The alleged posts targeted both officers and social media users who disagreed with his views over several months.
According to the filing, Petersen used direct, violent language in his posts and replies that included these exact lines: “[n]ever trust officers. Death to them all.” “Wait till we start throwing grenades and start shooting armor piercing rounds at these agents.” On June 7, 2026, he allegedly wrote about an ICE Agent involved in the shooting of Renee Good: “…can’t escape a bullet. It’s coming soon. Just wait. ;).” In another exchange he allegedly replied to a critic, “I have a bullet with your name on it.”
“Threats against law enforcement are an attack on the rule of law. These brave Americans protect us. And we will do our part to protect them,” said Gorgon. The statement emphasized the federal view that targeting officers crosses a line from protected speech to criminal conduct. Prosecutors signaled they will pursue the case in federal court.
A criminal complaint is only a charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Defense counsel will have the opportunity to respond and the government must prove each element of the alleged crimes beyond a reasonable doubt.
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HSI Detroit officials described the threats as serious and part of what prompted a broad investigative response. “Disagreement with laws is one thing but the allegations here involve threatening to shoot officers in the face and throw explosive devices,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. Investigators stressed they treat violent online threats as real-world public safety risks that warrant full examination.
Federal procedure ensures an arraignment and potential detention hearing will follow the filing of charges, and the defendant is entitled to constitutional protections throughout the process. “A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt,” the court reminder states. That standard governs every federal prosecution.
ICE leadership also issued a statement highlighting the role of officers who enforce federal immigration laws. “The men and women of ICE are enforcing the immigration laws of the land as passed by Congress,” said ICE ERO Detroit acting Field Office Director Matthew Putra. “For them to be allegedly targeted for simply doing their duty according to federal law is unconscionable.”
Homeland Security Investigations is leading the inquiry into the alleged threats and the broader social media activity cited in the complaint. The prosecution of the case has been assigned to an Assistant U.S. Attorney named in the charging papers. Federal authorities said they will continue to investigate related communications and any potential accomplices or escalating behavior.
The allegations underscore the intersection of violent rhetoric online and criminal statutes that criminalize true threats and attempts to incite violence. Law enforcement agencies emphasized that allegations of this kind are handled with investigative resources and interagency cooperation. The case remains active as it moves through the federal court system under ordinary procedural safeguards.
