Death threats to ICE on social media connected to Cape Coral man arrested in DHS raid
By James Curtis, Madison Zaleski
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CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WBBH) — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security released a statement Friday morning that details what led to a raid in Cape Coral Thursday to arrest a man accused of making death threats toward ICE and its agents on Bluesky.
According to DHS, Joseph Giancola Jr. was arrested after he was accused of posting death threats on the social media platform Bluesky directed toward ICE. DHS said some of the posts include “Shoot the ICE Nazis down like the rabid dogs they are” and “They come near me, and I shoot to kill. Be warned”.
Giancola Jr. is accused of making these death threats on Bluesky under the pseudonym “Cain Delon.”
The raid happened at a home on Chiquita Boulevard around 6 a.m. Thursday. Anna Giancola, who owns the home, said they were awakened by Homeland Security putting a hole through their door.
Anna said she did not receive a warrant until a hole was put in the door. According to Homeland Security, they had a warrant to detain Giancola Jr., her father.
Video from cameras in the home showed men in military grade protection armed with guns entering the home. Anna said one of the men then put a piece of tape over the camera. She also said one of the cameras was ripped out, and the others were turned to face the wall.
According to Anna, everyone in the home was taken outside, and Homeland Security barricaded and searched through every room in the house.
Giancola Jr. is scheduled to make his initial appearance in court Friday afternoon.
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