Federal Charges Unsealed Against Kennesaw Man for 2020 Attack on Atlanta ICE Building

ATLANTA – Federal charges were unsealed on September 5, 2025, against Ronald Watson, 28, of Kennesaw, Georgia, also known as Sarah Watson, Miranda Kyle, and Emily Smith. Watson is charged with arson and destruction of government property in connection with a July 2020 attack on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in downtown Atlanta.

U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg condemned the violence, stating, “The right to peacefully protest never excuses acts of violence, like smashing windows and attempting to set fire to a government building. Anyone who perpetrates or threatens violence against federal officers or property must be identified, found, and held accountable.”

FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown added, “The First Amendment does not allow individuals to commit arson or destroy property. The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure safety while respecting constitutional rights.”

Allegations in the Indictment

According to court filings, on July 25, 2020, a crowd gathered outside the Atlanta ICE building. Several masked individuals breached fencing and vandalized the property using rocks, cinder blocks, fireworks, Molotov cocktails, and lighter fluid bottles, causing more than $78,000 in damages. Investigators discovered blood near a broken window and an unexploded Molotov cocktail inside.

Authorities allege Watson was among the attackers. Law enforcement was able to identify Watson after his 2023 felony conviction for assaulting a public safety officer in Oregon, linking him to evidence collected at the scene.

Prior to the attack, Watson reportedly posted anti-ICE messages on social media, including images encouraging violence against ICE officers. Posts also claimed Watson had previously “thrown bricks, done other things not to be mentioned, [and] Doxxed people.”

Case Status

Watson remains at large. The FBI is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to Watson’s location and arrest. Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Authorities stress that Watson is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

This case is being investigated by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations.