A North Texas man faces up to 96 years in federal prison after allegedly posting death threats against President Donald Trump and immigration officials in a social media tirade that included writing “KILL TRUMP” 25 consecutive times.
Francisco Jesus Mena, 36, of North Richland Hills, was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 3, 2026, on 10 counts related to violent threats he allegedly made online in May 2025.
“Any threat against the President, federal officials, and agents will be thoroughly investigated and swiftly prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould, who didn’t mince words about the severity of the charges.
Mena’s legal troubles began on January 7, 2026, when he was initially arrested on a federal complaint. His arraignment is scheduled for February 11, potentially setting the stage for a high-profile trial that could result in what amounts to a life sentence if he’s convicted on all counts.
Social Media Threats Trigger Federal Response
What exactly did Mena post that brought the full weight of federal law enforcement down on him? According to the indictment, his May 2025 social media posts included multiple explicit threats, most notably the phrase “KILL TRUMP” repeated 25 times in a single message.
The case highlights the increasingly serious approach federal authorities are taking toward online threats against public officials. FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock emphasized this point, stating, “Using online platforms to threaten the lives of others does not insulate an individual from consequences. We are committed to thoroughly investigating these crimes.”
Threats against presidents and federal officials have always been taken seriously, but the digital age has complicated matters. Social media platforms create a sense of distance and anonymity that some users mistake for immunity from prosecution.
The investigation involved a coordinated effort between multiple federal agencies. The FBI Dallas Field Office’s Fort Worth Resident Agency worked alongside the U.S. Secret Service to build the case, which is now being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Weybrecht.
Legal experts note that threats against presidents often result in significant prison terms, regardless of whether the defendant had any actual plans or means to carry them out. The law focuses on the threat itself and its potential to cause fear or disruption.
As Mena’s February 11 arraignment approaches, his case serves as a stark reminder of something law enforcement officials have been emphasizing for years: in the digital age, keyboards can be as legally dangerous as weapons when it comes to threatening public officials.
