HARLINGEN, Texas — The FBI has arrested a Tennessee man who was allegedly plotting to take part in a violent attack on the Texas-Mexico border, according to court documents.
Paul Faye Sr. is facing a charge of possession of an unregistered firearm/silencer regulated by the National Firearms Act, federal records indicate. The investigation began with a man named Bryan Perry, who had been charged with various violent federal felonies in Missouri, the criminal complaint states.
According to the complaint, Perry’s phone was seized, revealing extensive contact with Faye leading up to his arrest. Faye expressed a desire to travel with Perry and another person to the U.S./Mexico border to commit acts of violence, the complaint stated.
In March 2023, the FBI introduced an undercover agent to Faye on TikTok. After exchanging messages, Faye provided the agent with his phone number for further communication. In April 2023, three undercover agents met with Faye, who asked if they were federal law enforcement.
Confirming that the undercover agents were not law enforcement, Faye began discussing his beliefs and tactical training, as well as the weapons he possessed. The FBI subsequently discovered that Faye had not registered the suppressor in his possession.
Faye later discussed the need to train in person before traveling to the border, expressing beliefs that the government was “training to take on its citizens,” according to the complaint. He also mentioned the need to obtain a ballistic plate carrier in a subsequent conversation.
In November, Faye discussed his plans to travel with a militia group to the Texas border, indicating a potential intent to conduct acts of violence. During another meeting, Faye discussed coordinating with militia groups from multiple states to transport explosive devices to the border.
These details led to the issuance of an arrest warrant, and Faye was taken into custody three days later. He has since made an initial appearance in federal court and is scheduled for a detention hearing.
The case raises concerns about potential domestic terrorism and the need for law enforcement vigilance in monitoring and addressing such threats. The seriousness of these allegations underscores the importance of thorough investigations and preventive measures to ensure the safety and security of communities.