Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson said Friday that an Omaha man accused of helping organize an alleged attack plot against a White House UFC event should not have been in the United States, bringing immigration enforcement back into focus in a federal case involving five arrests.
Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, was identified in federal filings as an alleged organizer of a plot targeting UFC Freedom 250, held June 14 on the White House grounds in Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other public figures attended the event.
Sheriff Points to Immigration History
Hanson said Alvarez had overstayed a visa and later received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status in 2014. He said the case showed how federal immigration policy can affect local public safety.
DACA gives temporary deportation relief and work authorization to certain undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children. It does not provide citizenship or permanent legal status.
Immigration information made public in the case identified Alvarez as a Mexican national who entered the country on a B2 visitor visa. The visa reportedly expired in 2001, and ICE later lodged a detainer after his arrest.
Hanson said Alvarez “never should have been here to begin with.” He also said the alleged plot could have endangered people at the White House event and possibly the president.
Five Men Face Federal Charges
Federal officials said five men were charged in connection with an alleged plan to kill government officials and others attending UFC Freedom 250. The charges were announced June 16, two days after the event.
The defendants are Tycen C. Proper, 19, of Danville, Ohio; Bryan Omar Roa, 24, of Calimesa, California; Michael Alan Thomas, 32, of Pinon Hills, California; Daniel K. Eskridge, 32, of Kidder, Missouri; and Alvarez.
Officials said arrests took place in Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska, and California. The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Alleged Plot Included Drones and Gunfire
Federal filings allege the group planned a mass-casualty attack using drones and sniper fire. Investigators believe the alleged plan involved drones carrying explosives near the UFC arena to force an evacuation.
The alleged next step was gunfire aimed at “high value targets” and people fleeing the event. Prosecutors said the plot targeted U.S. officials and other attendees.
A case filing said conspirators discussed drone launch locations, sniper positions, and escape routes. It also described encrypted chats and maps of the Washington area.
Proper allegedly told investigators the plan involved small drones with explosive devices. He reportedly said the drones would detonate near the north side of the UFC arena and push crowds south.
FBI Learned of Threat Before Event
FBI Director Kash Patel said law enforcement became aware of a possible threat on June 10. The event was scheduled for June 14.
Officials said the information led to a multi-state law enforcement operation. Federal agents and local partners moved quickly to identify suspects and disrupt the alleged plan.
Hanson said a Douglas County deputy assigned to the Joint Terrorism Task Force became involved after investigators identified a Nebraska connection. He described surveillance around Alvarez and the location where Alvarez was staying.
The sheriff said investigators worked around the clock as the event approached. He said the local role mattered because the alleged suspect lived in Omaha.
Prosecutors Say Alvarez Used an Alias
Federal authorities allege Alvarez used the name “Shepherd” in encrypted communications linked to the plot. Prosecutors said investigators believe “Shepherd” helped plan, organize, and direct the alleged attack.
Case details said messages allegedly tied to Alvarez discussed drones, counter-sniper positions, and routes away from the White House area. Prosecutors also said Alvarez allegedly shared potential drone launch points and sniper locations.
Prosecutors said Alvarez allegedly provided a photo and directions to a possible safe zone at an old church in Nebraska.
The Nebraska filing placed Omaha at the center of one part of the broader investigation. Hanson said authorities are still reviewing whether Alvarez worked with others locally or nationally.
Online Chats Became Key Evidence
Investigators said encrypted communications helped connect suspects across several states. The filings describe chats where members allegedly discussed targets, equipment, and roles.
The complaint said Proper’s phone contained group conversations involving about 19 people. Smaller groups allegedly focused on roles, locations, and possible movements around Washington.
Investigators said some messages discussed escape routes, safe houses, and movement toward the Potomac River. Other messages allegedly included maps and aerial images around the White House.
The filings also allege some suspects discussed anti-government views. Prosecutors have not said all possible participants have been charged.
Searches Found Weapons and Gear
Federal agents said searches connected to the case turned up firearms, ammunition, and tactical equipment.
At Proper’s Ohio residence, investigators said they found weapons, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and tactical gear. Prosecutors said he had identified possible targets, including members of Congress.
In California, investigators said searches involving Roa and Thomas found firearms, ammunition, magazines, tactical equipment, and electronic devices. Thomas allegedly admitted to helping plan the attack and encouraging others to participate.
In Missouri, agents said a search connected to Eskridge found rifles, a shotgun, a pistol, and tactical gear. Eskridge was charged with conspiracy to commit murder on White House grounds.
DACA Link Adds Political Pressure
The immigration portion of the Alvarez case has moved quickly into national politics. Hanson’s comments focused on the path from visa overstay to DACA protection and then to the current federal allegations.
Supporters of DACA say the program protects people brought to the country as children who grew up in the United States. Critics say it limits immigration enforcement and leaves major decisions to executive action rather than Congress.
The Alvarez case does not prove broader wrongdoing by DACA recipients. It involves one defendant facing specific federal allegations.
Still, Hanson said the case showed how a local community could be affected by federal immigration decisions. He said Nebraska residents deserved to know whether Alvarez had additional contacts or support nearby.
White House Event Went Forward Safely
UFC Freedom 250 went forward on June 14 without the alleged attack taking place. Officials credited federal and local law enforcement coordination for disrupting the plan.
The case involved federal investigators, protective security officials, prosecutors, park police, D.C. police, and local law enforcement partners.
Hanson said the Nebraska piece of the operation showed how quickly a national security case can reach a local sheriff’s office.
Investigation Remains Active
Federal prosecutors said conspiracy to commit murder can carry a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $250,000 fine if a defendant is convicted. A conspiracy charge involving violence on White House grounds carries a maximum sentence of five years.
Alvarez and the other defendants have not been convicted. Their cases will move through federal court.
Officials said the investigation remains active. Hanson said authorities are still working to determine whether more people were involved and whether any additional risks remain in Nebraska or elsewhere.
