Army Veteran Charged in Anti-ICE Attack Outside NYC Federal Building

Federal officials have charged Andrew Arrabaca, a 43-year-old Army veteran, in connection with a fiery attack outside 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, a federal building that houses Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices and immigration courts. According to law enforcement and FBI statements, Arrabaca allegedly set a fire and ignited commercial-grade fireworks at the building’s entrance, in what authorities describe as a politically motivated act targeting federal immigration enforcement.

Arrabaca, who previously served as a Patriot missile systems mechanic in the U.S. Army, was reportedly armed with a cache of weapons and incendiary materials. Authorities say he arrived at the scene with a cart containing fireworks, a bucket of suspected gasoline, pellet guns, a machete, three knives, two axes, a hammer, and six incendiary devices. The FBI and other law enforcement sources cited by FOX 5 New York and NBC News stated that Arrabaca’s actions were driven by opposition to ICE and federal immigration enforcement policies.

The incident has sparked debate over how national media outlets reported the motive behind the attack. While several outlets and officials acknowledged Arrabaca’s anti-ICE agenda, some headlines focused on the use of incendiary devices or his military background, rather than his stated opposition to ICE. This has led to criticism from some commentators who argue that the political context of the attack was downplayed in initial coverage.

Details of the Attack

According to law enforcement accounts, the attack unfolded on Monday morning. Arrabaca allegedly wheeled a cart loaded with fireworks and flammable liquid to the entrance of 26 Federal Plaza. Surveillance and bystander video reportedly show him pouring liquid outside the building before igniting fireworks, which triggered flames and sent thick smoke into the air. The resulting fire led to the evacuation of parts of the building and a significant emergency response from the New York Fire Department and federal officers.

Two people suffered minor injuries during the incident, according to the FBI and fire department reports cited by NBC News. Federal officers quickly apprehended Arrabaca at the scene. Authorities said he was carrying multiple weapons, including pellet guns, a machete, knives, axes, and a hammer, as well as six incendiary devices and a bucket of suspected gasoline. Officials have emphasized that Arrabaca’s motive was opposition to ICE and federal immigration enforcement, noting that he had a cart with the slogan “ICE off our streets.”

"He came armed with bad intentions, looking to injure people and harm people."

— James Barnacle, Assistant Director in Charge, FBI New York Field Office

Law Enforcement and Media Response

FBI officials have described Arrabaca as an anti-government extremist, citing statements he made after his arrest and the actions he allegedly attempted. The FBI said the attack was “driven by opposition to federal immigration enforcement.”

Media coverage of the incident has varied in how prominently it featured the anti-ICE motive. Outlets such as NBC News and PIX 11 included the political motive in the opening lines of their stories, while some headlines focused on the use of incendiary devices or Arrabaca’s military background. For example, CBS News reported that Arrabaca had a cart with the slogan “ICE off our streets,” but mentioned this detail several paragraphs into its article. Critics have argued that omitting the anti-ICE motive from headlines downplayed the political nature of the attack. However, all major outlets cited did include the motive in their reporting, and officials have not commented on the media’s framing of the incident.

The incident has reignited discussion about the risks faced by federal officers and the portrayal of politically motivated attacks in national media. Some commentators have suggested that the way such incidents are reported can influence public perception of both the motives behind the attacks and the broader debate over immigration enforcement.

Ongoing Investigation and Broader Context

The FBI and local authorities continue to investigate the incident, including Arrabaca’s background and possible emotional or psychological issues, as reported by NBC News. Officials are examining whether Arrabaca acted alone or had any connections to organized groups. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the situation “deeply disturbing” and expressed relief that no one was seriously hurt.

This attack follows a pattern of politically motivated violence targeting federal agencies, particularly those involved in immigration enforcement. In recent years, federal officers and buildings associated with ICE have faced threats and attacks amid heated national debate over immigration policy. The incident at 26 Federal Plaza has intensified discussion about security at federal facilities and the challenges law enforcement faces in preventing politically motivated violence.

Authorities have not released further details about Arrabaca’s background or any prior criminal history. The investigation remains ongoing, with federal prosecutors expected to pursue charges related to arson, possession of weapons, and attempted assault on federal officers. Officials have reiterated their commitment to protecting federal employees and ensuring that acts of violence against government agencies are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

As the case moves forward, both the attack and its media coverage are likely to remain points of contention in the broader debate over immigration enforcement and political violence in the United States.