(The Center Square) — A man is in custody after allegedly setting off an "incendiary device" outside a federal immigration court building in New York City Monday morning, authorities said.
The incident happened outside 26 Federal Plaza, a lower Manhattan building that houses dozens of agencies including the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Video from the scene showed heavy smoke in front of the building and a cluster of law enforcement officers taking a suspect into custody. The sidewalk was shut down and the building was evacuated, authorities said. Several people were reportedly injured.
"This morning an individual deployed an incendiary device outside of 26 Federal Plaza in New York," FBI Director Kash Patel said Monday morning in a statement posted on X. "The individual is in custody and two minor injuries reported thus far."
Patel said the FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the incident.
Authorities told several news outlets that the incendiary devices consisted of fireworks and a “flammable liquid" that were set off and sparked a fire outside the building. Several outlets cited reports indicating that the suspect had several BB-style "airsoft” rifles that fire pellets.
Immigration enforcement actions in courthouses have been a flashpoint in pushback to President Donald Trump's administration enforcing the law. Advocates, court officials and even some judges have been accused of resisting attempts by ICE to apprehend suspects who show up for court hearings.
In New York City, the ICE facility at 26 Federal Plaza has become ground zero in Democrats’ push against what they say is unlawful overreach by federal immigration agents. It’s one of 25 ICE Enforcement and Removal Operation facilities across the country. Democrats and advocates have held protests and press briefings outside the building to criticize ICE enforcement tactics.
In April, a federal judge banned most arrests by ICE agents in several New York City immigration courts, siding with civil liberties groups that sued to stop the practice. Despite U.S. District Court judge Kevin Castel's ruling, ICE has made at least six arrests in Manhattan immigration courts since he issued his order, city officials said.
Trump's border czar Tom Homan has pledged to target New York City over its sanctuary policies that restrict local cooperation with federal immigration crackdowns and a law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul that expands many of those policies statewide.
Originally published on thecentersquare.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?)
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Sign up to receive notifications when a new Columbia Gorge News e-Edition is published.
Would you like to receive our news updates? Signup today!
Receive weekly updates on obituaries and death notices.
Oregon Capital Press presented by Columbia Gorge News
Receive updates on upcoming promotions and special sections.
Receive weekly updates on local sports news.
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
Commented