A disturbing case unfolded in Fort Myers, Florida, as Homeland Security Investigations agents arrested a man accused of relentlessly threatening U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. The individual, identified as Joseph Giancola, allegedly used the online pseudonym “Cain Delon” to disseminate a chilling stream of violent messages.
Giancola’s posts, made on the platform Bluesky, weren’t veiled suggestions but direct calls for violence. He repeatedly urged others to “Shoot the ICE Nazis down,” framing law enforcement officials as enemies and advocating for their murder with disturbing clarity.
Adding a layer of deception to his online persona, Giancola utilized a fabricated profile picture – a young, blonde, blue-eyed man – seemingly attempting to conceal his true identity while broadcasting his hateful rhetoric. He even issued a direct threat, stating he would “shoot to kill” anyone who approached him.
These threats weren’t isolated incidents, but a sustained campaign of intimidation spanning several months. Giancola’s language consistently equated ICE officers with the Nazi regime, fueling a dangerous narrative and inciting potential acts of violence against them.
The arrest comes amid a dramatic surge in threats against ICE personnel. Authorities report a staggering 8,000% increase in death threats and a more than 1,000% increase in assaults targeting these officers, a trend officials directly link to increasingly hostile rhetoric.
Department of Homeland Security officials have repeatedly warned about the consequences of demonizing law enforcement. The constant comparison of ICE to oppressive historical forces, they argue, has created a climate where violence and dehumanization are normalized.
Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned Giancola’s actions as “disgusting” and vowed a full prosecution. She emphasized that ICE officers are not abstract figures, but real people – mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters – dedicated to public safety.
McLaughlin highlighted the dangerous reality faced by ICE and CBP agents, who routinely confront individuals involved in heinous crimes, including murder, rape, and terrorism. She made a firm statement: those who threaten violence against law enforcement will face severe consequences.
Giancola is currently in federal custody, and HSI is actively pursuing other cases involving threats against federal law enforcement. The department urges anyone with information regarding threats, doxxing, or harassment against ICE officers to come forward.
Citizens can report such incidents by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE or utilizing ICE’s online tip form, contributing to the safety and security of those who serve and protect.
