A 43-year-old military veteran was arrested Monday after setting off an incendiary device outside the federal immigration office in New York City. Authorities described the man as an anti-ICE extremist who carried weapons and a manifesto. Two federal employees and one civilian suffered minor injuries.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:20 a.m. Monday outside 26 Federal Plaza, which houses the ICE New York field office and an immigration court. Andrew Arrabaca poured what officials believe was gasoline on the ground, placed fireworks on top, and ignited the device, causing a small fire. He was pushing a cart bearing a sign that read “ICE off our streets” and was armed with axes, a hammer, a machete, and multiple knives.
A Federal Protective Service officer tackled and detained Arrabaca on the scene. Officers recovered a bag containing two pellet guns and a manifesto. Arrabaca, a former U.S. Army and National Guardsman from Poughkeepsie, yelled derogatory terms toward ICE during his arrest, according to FBI New York field office Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle Jr.
The FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation. Barnacle said the suspect is an anti-American, anti-government extremist. Two federal employees and one civilian were treated for minor injuries and released. A Federal Protective Service officer also sustained minor injuries.
