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By Billal Rahman
Immigration Reporter
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The alleged ringleader of a foiled plot targeting an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event at the White House is a Mexican national who received deportation relief under an Obama-era program after overstaying a tourist visa, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said.
Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez entered the United States on a B-2 visa but did not depart after it expired in December 2001, the DHS said in a press release on June 18. He was granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status in 2014, it added.
The FBI has accused the 31-year-old of Omaha, Nebraska, of leading a plan to attack the UFC “Freedom 250” event held on the White House grounds on June 14. The televised event drew thousands of attendees and included President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and other members of their family, secretaries of state and business leaders.
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“This illegal alien from Mexico should never have been allowed in our country. He was the ringleader of a failed terror attack targeting UFC Freedom 250 at the White House,” DHS acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in a press statement. “He and his co-conspirators now face charges of conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to commit violence on White House grounds. He will face justice and swiftly be removed from our country.”
The FBI assessed that Alvarez, also known as “Shepherd,” was responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the planned attack, allegedly posting in a group chat, “This is the best action I see. Position your teams in the purple dots (counter sniper and drones) Long range (circled area) (great shot) Easy out into the river.”
Kelly Steenbock, an attorney for Alvarez, told Newsweek her office does not comment on pending cases.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have said additional suspects could be identified. If convicted, Alvarez could face federal sentencing as well as removal proceedings under federal immigration law.
Details of alleged attack plan
Four other men were arrested and charged in connection with the alleged plot: Tycen C. Proper, 19, of Danville, Ohio; Bryan Omar Roa, 24, of Calimesa, California; Michael Alan Thomas, 32, of Pinon Hills, California; and Daniel K. Eskridge, 32, of Kidder, Missouri.
Unsealed court affidavits reviewed by Newsweek describe a detailed, multiphase plan in which the group allegedly intended to use explosive-laden drones to force an evacuation from the White House grounds and funnel attendees toward tactically positioned gunmen.
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Investigators said they recovered maps showing proposed sniper and drone positions, along with encrypted chat messages and images of firearms and tactical gear outlining the plan.
Authorities allege the plan was designed to create mass panic and target so-called “high-value” individuals attending the event. Court filings referenced in reporting also indicate the group discussed coordinating movements and escape routes as part of the operation.
UFC 250 Attack Suspects and Evidence
According to court filings, Proper is alleged to have been an early focus of the investigation after authorities were alerted to his communications and weapons purchases.
Prosecutors say Proper amassed firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition and tactical gear at his home, and identified potential targets, including multiple members of Congress. The filings allege that Proper and other conspirators planned to rendezvous in Fredericksburg, Virginia, ahead of the event as part of the coordinated plot.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Roa’s residence and vehicle, where agents seized a rifle, handgun, ammunition, a tactical belt, a rifle magazine, a two-way radio and an infrared laser target pointer, according to the complaint.
Prosecutors said a review of Roa’s phone uncovered messages in a group chat with other suspects discussing an attack at the White House UFC event, including plans involving drones rigged with explosives and sniper fire. Authorities also cited social media videos allegedly posted by Roa showing him firing weapons.
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Thomas allegedly took part in group chats planning an attack at the White House event, including messages discussing funding for drones and explosives.
In other exchanges, prosecutors said Thomas outlined a tiered structure for participants in the group and discussed coordinating training with co-conspirators, including meeting in Southern California for firearms practice.
A June 13 search warrant at his residence allegedly led to the seizure of a rifle, extended magazines, ammunition and a pistol, a criminal complaint said.
Eskridge was charged with conspiracy to commit murder on White House grounds.
Prosecutors said he was identified through communications recovered from another suspect’s phone, with messages on encrypted platforms discussing potential targets, including elected officials and business figures.
Court filings allege Eskridge shared images of tactical gear and participated in discussions about funding and coordinating teams for the planned attack. Authorities said agents executing a search warrant at his residence recovered multiple firearms and additional equipment.
What Is DACA?
DACA is a U.S. immigration policy created in June 2012 under the Obama administration that allows certain people brought to the country as children to receive temporary protection from deportation and work authorization.
The program, established through a Department of Homeland Security memorandum, does not confer lawful immigration status or provide a pathway to citizenship, and must be renewed every two years. It was introduced after Congress failed to pass the proposed DREAM Act.
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