A former US Army soldier, Andrew Arrabaca, was arrested on Monday, July 21, 2026, after allegedly setting off fireworks, lighting a fire, and shooting a pellet gun outside 26 Federal Plaza in New York City. The building houses offices for the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Authorities say Arrabaca arrived at the site around 8:30 a.m. wearing a military-style helmet and pulling a cart with a sign reading "ICE Off Our Streets," according to New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. He reportedly poured petrol on the ground outside the employee entrance and ignited it, also firing multiple pellets from an airsoft rifle and setting off fireworks.

Federal agents subdued Arrabaca, who was armed with two axes, a machete, three knives, and fireworks, as stated by FBI New York Assistant Director James Barnacle. Three people sustained minor injuries, including an immigrant attending a status hearing.

Arrabaca, 43, has a last-known address in Harlem and has also lived in Poughkeepsie, about 111 kilometers north of New York City. He served in the regular US Army from 2001 to 2004 and in the Army National Guard-New York from 2004 to 2005.

The Department of Homeland Security described Arrabaca as an "anti-ICE rioter" who made several anti-government and anti-ICE statements during the incident. Security at 26 Federal Plaza was significantly increased in the 1990s after it was identified as a potential bombing target.

"The building was attacked," Barnacle said, emphasizing the seriousness of the incident. New York officials have pledged to hold accountable anyone who threatens public safety.

Sources