DHS Confirms Alleged UFC Freedom 250 Terror Plot Ringleader Abraham Alvarez Was Illegal Alien Granted DACA Protection

Omaha, NE – Federal authorities have identified Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, as the alleged ringleader of a foiled plot to carry out a mass-casualty attack on the UFC Freedom 250 event held at the White House on June 14, 2026. Department of Homeland Security records confirm Alvarez entered the United States illegally as a child from Mexico, overstayed a B2 visitor visa that expired in 2001, and later received temporary deportation relief through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 2014 under the Obama administration.

Alvarez, who used the alias “Shepherd” in encrypted communications, was arrested by the FBI in Omaha on the day of the planned attack. Authorities describe him as the primary planner, organizer, and director of the conspiracy, which involved four other co-conspirators arrested in Ohio, Missouri, and California. The group faces federal charges of conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to commit violence on White House grounds.

According to court documents and a DHS statement, the plotters intended to deploy drones armed with explosives over the UFC event to force an evacuation of attendees, including high-profile U.S. officials. They then planned to use snipers positioned along evacuation routes to target “high-value targets” in the fleeing crowd. Additional elements allegedly included acquiring military ordinance and using safehouses, including an abandoned church property in Western, Nebraska, owned by Alvarez. Communications occurred through encrypted apps and online platforms.

DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis stated: “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. 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.” DHS emphasized that Alvarez’s DACA protection did not alter his underlying illegal status stemming from the visa overstay.

The other charged individuals are 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. Each faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, plus additional penalties for the White House-related charge.

The plot came to light after the family of Tycen Proper reported concerns about his accumulation of firearms and online activity. FBI searches uncovered the encrypted group chat detailing the attack plans. Alvarez allegedly provided significant planning input, including directions for a safe zone at the Nebraska church property.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen praised state and federal law enforcement for disrupting the plot, noting Alvarez’s role as a key figure. The event proceeded without incident after authorities acted on the intelligence.

This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding immigration enforcement and the vetting of individuals granted temporary protections like DACA. Alvarez’s status as an illegal alien who received DACA relief underscores criticisms that such programs can shield individuals later implicated in serious crimes from timely removal. Federal prosecutors are pursuing the case aggressively, with DHS confirming plans for swift deportation proceedings following any criminal resolution.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation remains active as authorities continue to examine the full scope of the conspiracy and any additional connections.