An alleged anti-ICE activist was arrested Monday morning after setting a fire with an incendiary device in front of the immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan and allegedly threatening people there with a firearm, sources told our sister publication, amNewYork.
The incident occurred shortly before 8:40 a.m. on July 20, near the intersection of Worth Street and Lafayette Street. In the last year, this building has been the scene of numerous immigrant arrests by ICE agents, who have detained people who were attending mandatory immigration hearings.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the suspect approached the entrance of the building and started a fire that was apparently started with fireworks.
As a thick column of smoke billowed from the main entrance, federal agents drew their weapons, subdued the man and handcuffed him before entering the building.
Sources indicated that the suspect remains in FBI custody, where he is being questioned. So far, authorities have not announced the charges he will face.
The New York Fire Department (FDNY) initially responded after receiving a report of a sewer fire. When extinguishing the flames, firefighters found three people with burns. Two refused medical attention and a third was taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition.
According to sources, the detainee is a well-known anti-ICE activist. At the scene, authorities recovered a small cart with the phrase “ICE off our streets,” inside which there were fireworks.
Investigators also located several apparent firearms, although they have not yet determined if they were real.
The investigation continues and has the participation of several specialized units, including the NYPD Bomb Squad, which is working to clarify what happened.
