ICE - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

02/19/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/19/2026 08:31

ICE Charleston, partners arrest West Virginia man for making terroristic threats

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. - ICE Charleston and its law enforcement partners from the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Secret Service and the West Virginia State Police arrested Cody Smith, a U.S. citizen who threatened to kill ICE Officers in West Virginia.

"The safety and security of law enforcement personnel is our highest priority at Homeland Security Investigations," said HSI Washington, D.C. acting Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf. "HSI is committed to actively pursuing anyone who threatens the brave agents and officers who protect our communities. We will work tirelessly to investigate these threats and ensure those responsible are brought to justice."

According to the HSI investigation, on Jan. 16, Smith called the ICE Tip Line and threatened to kill any ICE agents he saw in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Smith continued a vulgarity-laden tirade that referenced ICE and President Trump.

The U.S. Secret Service identified Smith's Instagram page, where a video was posted of Smith on a phone call threatening to kill ICE agents.

On Jan. 22, HSI and its law enforcement partners executed a federal search warrant on Smith's residence in Clarksburg, resulting in his arrest and the seizure of his cellphone.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity to HSI by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about HSI Washington, D.C.'s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X at @HSI_DC.

ICE - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement published this content on February 19, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 19, 2026 at 14:31 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]