Ex US Army Veteran Held After Setting Fire Outside New York ICE Offices

A former US Army veteran was arrested after allegedly carrying out an incendiary attack outside 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan on Monday, prompting a federal investigation into the security breach at a government complex housing the FBI's New York office, an immigration court and other federal agencies. The FBI's New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation, while authorities have not yet formally classified the incident as terrorism.

The FBI said the suspect deployed an incendiary device outside the building at around 8.30 am local time, triggering smoke and flames. Investigators have since identified the suspect as 43 year old Andrew Arrabaca, a former US Army Patriot missile systems technician who served between 2001 and 2005. Officials alleged he arrived wearing a military style helmet, pushed a cart displaying the message "ICE Off Our Streets", poured gasoline on the entrance steps, ignited it with fireworks and then fired five to seven pellets from an airsoft rifle before being overpowered by Federal Protective Service officers and a security contractor.

Authorities said Arrabaca was carrying anti-ICE material along with axes, knives, a machete, a hammer, fireworks and other weapons. FBI officials alleged he made anti government and anti American statements after his arrest and told investigators he did not care if people were injured. Three people, including two government employees and a civilian, attending an immigration hearing sustained minor injuries and were treated.

The building has become a focal point for demonstrations against President Donald Trump's immigration policies, with immigration enforcement operations frequently taking place inside the complex. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the incident as "deeply disturbing", saying city authorities were coordinating with federal investigators. As of the latest update, no formal charges had been announced, and the investigation remains ongoing.