Virginia Assistant Principal and Brother Arrested in Alleged Plot Against ICE Agents

Virginia Beach, VA – An assistant principal at a Virginia high school and his brother have been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged plot to target U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. John Wilson Bennett, 54, an assistant principal at Kempsville High School, and his brother Mark Booth Bennett, 59, were taken into custody on November 19, 2025, following an investigation by the Virginia Beach Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Both men face charges of conspiracy to commit malicious wounding.

The investigation began on November 17, 2025, after an off-duty Norfolk police officer reportedly overheard the brothers discussing plans to "kill police officers and ICE agents" at a Virginia Beach restaurant. According to court documents, the officer heard the men talk about ICE agents "kidnapping individuals" and expressed a belief that they "needed to do something about it." The tweet from Mike Netter, which highlighted the incident, stated, "It's now been confirmed that the plot to kill ICE agents by a Virginia high school assistant principal and his brother was motivated by the idea that 'ICE agents are kidnapping individuals'."

Authorities allege that Mark Bennett also discussed plans to travel to Las Vegas to meet "like-minded individuals" and acquire firearms, including an assault rifle capable of firing explosive rounds to penetrate body armor, with the intent to "go hunting." John Bennett reportedly expressed support and interest in joining the trip. Mark Bennett was arrested at Norfolk International Airport as he prepared to depart for Las Vegas, while John Bennett was arrested in Virginia Beach.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned the alleged plot, stating, "It’s chilling that a human being, much less a child educator, would plot to ambush and kill ICE law enforcement officers." McLaughlin also highlighted a significant increase in threats against ICE personnel, noting an "8,000% increase in death threats" and a "1,150% increase in assaults" against officers. The brothers were granted bond and are currently under pretrial supervision, which includes home confinement, a prohibition on possessing firearms, and no contact with each other.

The tweet further claimed, "It's a lie regularly pushed by mainstream outlets like CNN and MSNBC and needs to be EXPOSED!" This assertion points to a broader debate surrounding the rhetoric and public perception of ICE operations. John Bennett has been employed with Virginia Beach City Public Schools since 2009 and is currently on leave from his position at Kempsville High School.