Jacksonville Man Arrested for Online Threats Against ICE Protesters

Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida, USA - In a surprising turn of events, anti-ICE protests erupted across multiple cities in the United States, an uprising that speaks volumes about the heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement. These demonstrations pivoted around the recent federal actions against immigrants and found additional context in a local Florida incident that has since captured media attention.

On June 11, 2025, law enforcement in Jacksonville arrested 26-year-old Zachary Degross after he made a chilling threat on social media. He allegedly boasted about running over protesters with a tow truck, prompting the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to take immediate action. The police received a tip about the comments and identified Degross using their Intelligence Unit, ultimately charging him with a second-degree felony for written threats to conduct an act of terrorism. As reported by Jacksonville.com, he remained in custody at Duval County jail as of the evening following his arrest.

Protests Across the Nation

Simultaneously, the ongoing protests in Santa Ana echoed the sentiments expressed in Jacksonville. As reported by Los Angeles Times, around 120 protesters gathered outside a federal building, demanding an end to recent ICE raids that targeted locations including Home Depot outlets and local restaurants. The air was thick with chants, signs, and a strong sense of community resolve even amidst the tension with federal agents. Councilmember Jessie Lopez voiced her outrage over these raids, critiquing U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli’s stance which seemed to diminish community rights.

The protest grew robust as the day went on, swelling to at least 500 demonstrators, many waving Mexican flags and chanted pro-immigrant slogans. Tui Dashark, a community leader, encouraged peaceful resistance and non-violence among the protesters. However, the atmosphere quickly escalated when law enforcement utilized pepper balls, flash-bang grenades, and tear gas to disperse the crowd, further inflaming the situation. While some protesters suffered injuries from rubber bullets, the collective spirit remained unbroken, and a sense of humor prevailed amidst the chaos.

Broader Context and Implications

The unrest in Southern California reflects a broader wave of indignation resulting from federal immigration raids, notably those that began earlier in the month. ABC News outlines a timeline of these events, indicating that the protests began on June 6 after ICE agents carried out immigration sweeps, inciting fear and anger in many migrant communities. President Trump’s response to the unrest has included the unprecedented deployment of the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles—an action met with criticism from local leaders who see it as an abuse of power.

As the situation unfolds, the implications of these protests are profound. They encapsulate a growing backlash against perceived injustices faced by immigrant populations under the current administration. While some seek to express their rights through peaceful assembly, others are reminded that threats—like those made by Degross—will not go without consequence. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has reiterated that online threats are taken seriously, echoing a call for vigilance in protecting community safety.

As we continue to observe these critical developments, one thing is clear: from Jacksonville to Santa Ana and beyond, communities are standing up, rallying their voices against actions they deem unjust. The outcome of these protests might just shape the future of immigration policy and community relationships across the country.