US Homeland Security Chief claimed immigrant threatened to kill Trump; Investigators now doubt it | World News

US Homeland Security Secretary Kri Noem made a claim: an undocumented immigrant had threatened to assassinate President Donald Trump. The claim is now being questioned investigators, as per reports The Associated Press (AP). The story drew swift attention from the White House and Trump allies. Now, new details emerge suggesting the man may have been framed.
According to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity, investigators now believe the man, 54-year-old Ramon Morales Reyes, did not write the threatening letter Noem referenced. The letter had been shared publicly Noem and her department, and was allegedly sent to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office.
It contained a message written in blue ink threatening to shoot Trump at a rally and criticising deportation policies.
Story continues below this ad

Potential framing
Noem publicly announced the arrest and shared an image of Morales Reyes along with the letter on social media. The letter threatened to shoot Trump in the head with a rifle, and planned to return to Mexico afterward.    
A handwriting analysis reportedly showed that Morales Reyes’ writing did not match the letter, and officials determined the threat was not credible.
Handwritten letter that Homeland Security Secretary Kri Noem claimed an immigrant threatened the life of President Donald Trump. (Photo: Department of Homeland Security via AP)
Officials now suspect that Morales Reyes may have been targeted in an effort to get him arrested and deported — a move that would prevent him from testifying in an upcoming assault trial in which he is a key witness.
“The investigation into the threat is ongoing,” the Department of Homeland Security said in an email to AP. “Over the course of the investigation, this individual was determined to be in the country illegally and that he had a criminal record. He will remain in custody.”Story continues below this ad
However, Morales Reyes’ attorneys stated he is not currently facing any criminal charges, and they have not seen documentation of past convictions.
Who is Morales Reyes?
Morales Reyes, who works as a dishwasher in Milwaukee and lives with his wife and three children, had applied for a U visa — reserved for undocumented immigrants who are victims of serious crimes and ass law enforcement. His application was filed attorney Kime Abduli.
Cain Oulahan, immigration attorney for Ramon Morales Reyes, speaks to the media in Milwaukee on May 30, 2025, regarding his client’s detention. (AP Photo)
Abduli strongly disputed the claim that Morales Reyes could have written the letter. “There is really no way that it could be even remotely true,” she told the AP. “We’re asking for a clarification and a correction from DHS to clear Ramon’s name of anything having to do with this.”
Abduli said her client cannot read or write in Spanish and does not speak English. She also noted it remains unclear whether Morales Reyes was arrested because of the letter or for another reason.Story continues below this ad
ICE records show Morales Reyes has been in custody at a county jail in Juneau, Wisconsin, since May 21. He is expected to appear in immigration court in Chicago next week to request bond, according to attorney Cain Oulahan, who is representing him in his deportation case.
(With inputs from AP)