Attack in New York: Explosive Device Launched Against ICE

A federal building in New York housing ICE offices was the scene of a new episode of political violence. A man ignited an incendiary device and created a column of smoke in front of 26 Federal Plaza, in Lower Manhattan, where FBI offices, immigration courts, and immigration offices operate. The incident left at least three people with minor injuries and reignited debate over the safety of facilities linked to immigration policy.

What Happened in Front of 26 Federal Plaza?

According to the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, the man poured an flammable liquid, allegedly gasoline, on the building’s access stairs. He then lit fireworks and threw them toward the burning area, which generated an explosion of sparks, dense smoke, and alarm among pedestrians and federal employees. A video circulating on social media shows agents emerging from the smoke while another uniformed officer attempts to extinguish the fire.

In Manhattan, New York, they attacked an immigrant deportation court, throwing a bucket of gasoline on the stairs giving access to the federal building.

Just after Trump talks about persecuting communists, a Reichstag burning attempt coincidentally occurs. pic.twitter.com/Xeoi3Z8qq4

— Daniel Mayakovski (@DaniMayakovski) July 20, 2026

Initial assessments describe an “improvised incendiary device,” composed of fireworks and a flammable liquid. It is unclear whether the device directly impacted the facade, but authorities agree that the target was the building’s access points and its symbolism as the seat of federal agencies, especially immigration authorities.

A Federal Protective Service officer rushed at the suspect and detained him on the scene. The officer suffered minor injuries during the arrest, according to the DHS. Quick action prevented the fire from spreading and the device from causing greater damage.

Who Is the Suspect and What Did He Carry?

Police sources identified the detainee as a man with a history of activity against ICE. Reuters named him as Andrew Arrabaca, a 43-year-old U.S. Army veteran and Harlem resident. At the time of arrest, he carried an air-powered pistol and anti-ICE material, including a sign with messages such as “ICE out of our streets.”

The man was dragging a hand truck. Inside were found two long rifles, additional fireworks, and other miscellaneous items now being analyzed by the bomb squad of the New York Police Department. The presence of long guns and pyrotechnics suggests the act was prepared, though it has not yet been confirmed whether he intended to cause greater damage or primarily execute a symbolic and protest act.

Authorities are reviewing the suspect’s background. They seek to determine whether he has a criminal history in the city or prior records of police encounters related to mental health. The investigation includes reviewing possible connections with other anti-ICE protest groups, which have staged demonstrations in front of immigration courts in New York in recent years.

Were There Injuries and How Did Authorities Respond?

The New York Fire Department reported that at least three people suffered minor injuries. Two declined medical attention on scene and one was transported to NewYork-Presbyterian hospital, with no life-threatening injuries. The suspect himself sustained minor, non-serious wounds.

🚨 Improvised incendiary device in front of federal building in New York
A protester with anti-ICE history threw fireworks and flammable liquid