FBI offers reward for transgender suspect linked to 2020 Atlanta ICE raid

Federal investigators are searching for Ronald Watson, a transgender-identifying individual who allegedly joined a group of masked rioters that stormed an ICE building in Atlanta during the 2020 Black Lives Matter unrest. The attackers used rocks, cinder blocks, modified fireworks and Molotov cocktails, causing more than $78,000 in damage and leaving blood evidence that later matched Watson's DNA. After a 2023 conviction for theft and assault in Oregon, Watson petitioned to change his name to Emily Smith and applied for a passport under multiple aliases, prompting the FBI to issue a public notice with a $10,000 reward.

The Department of Justice has charged him with damaging government property by fire and explosives, and an arrest warrant was issued in July 2025. Officials note he may have altered his appearance and could be dressed in women's clothing. The case highlights a pattern of anti-government activity spanning both coasts and three presidential administrations.