An 18-year-old St. Helens resident has pleaded not guilty to federal domestic terrorism charges after prosecutors alleged he outlined a plan to kill agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. According to information detailed by federal prosecutors in court filings, Rayden Tanner Coleman was charged in U.S. District Court after allegedly admitting during interviews with investigators that he intended to carry out the plan. These allegations were first brought forward in reporting by KGW.

Court documents referenced in that reporting describe statements Coleman allegedly made to law enforcement and outline the government’s claim that he identified federal agents as targets. Prosecutors have not publicly released additional details about how Coleman came to the attention of investigators or what steps, if any, he is accused of taking beyond verbal statements. As of the most recent hearing, he remains in federal custody pending further proceedings.

Federal cases of this nature—including alleged threats or planned acts targeting government employees—are prosecuted under statutes addressing domestic terrorism when an accused person is alleged to have intended to influence or retaliate against government operations through violence. A plea of not guilty triggers the standard pretrial process, during which prosecutors must provide evidence to support the charges and the defense has the opportunity to contest the government’s claims.

While the case originates in Columbia County, it sits within a broader national landscape in which federal officials have repeatedly emphasized concerns about threats toward government personnel. Communities in southwest Washington—including Cowlitz County—often interact with federal agencies through immigration enforcement, parole supervision, and other administrative functions, making developments in nearby counties relevant to local residents.

Further hearings are expected, though the court has not yet released a finalized schedule. As with all criminal cases, the allegations remain unproven unless supported by evidence presented in court and affirmed by a judge or jury.

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KGW: St. Helens teen pleads not guilty to domestic terrorism charges in alleged plot to kill ICE agents