New York, NY (July 21, 2026) — A 43-year-old Army veteran was taken into custody Monday morning after allegedly setting a gasoline fire outside the employee entrance of a federal building housing ICE offices in Lower Manhattan and firing pellets at the structure, authorities said.
Andrew Arrabaca, a former U.S. Army mechanic from Poughkeepsie, New York, was detained near 26 Federal Plaza following the incident. According to officials, Arrabaca arrived at the site carrying axes, a machete, several knives, and signs expressing anti-ICE sentiments.
Witnesses and law enforcement officials reported that Arrabaca ignited gasoline at the entrance and discharged pellets toward the building. The fire was quickly contained and caused no major structural damage, but three individuals sustained minor injuries. During a subsequent interview with investigators, Arrabaca reportedly admitted to deliberately targeting the ICE facility and stated that he did not care if people inside were hurt, sources familiar with the investigation told reporters.
The FBI and NYPD are jointly investigating the case as a potential act of terrorism amid heightened national tensions over immigration enforcement. No further details about possible charges had been released as of early Tuesday.
ICE Director Tom Homan expressed deep concern about the safety of federal agents and their families in the wake of the attack. “Our officers put their lives on the line every day to enforce the laws passed by Congress,” Homan said. “Incidents like this are unacceptable and put not only agents but their loved ones at risk.”
Arrabaca’s military background has drawn particular attention. As a former Army mechanic, he had no reported combat deployments in available records, though officials have not yet commented on any potential service-related factors in the case.
The incident occurred at a time of heightened rhetoric surrounding immigration policy, with federal facilities across the country increasing security measures.
Authorities have not identified any accomplices, and the investigation remains active. Arrabaca is expected to make his initial court appearance in the coming days.
