A U.S. Army veteran has been taken into custody after authorities say he started a fire and ignited fireworks outside a federal building in Lower Manhattan that houses U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices. The incident occurred at 26 Federal Plaza, which also contains the FBI’s New York field office, prompting a major emergency response and renewed concerns over security at federal facilities amid ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement.
Authorities identified the suspect as Andrew Arrabaca, a 43 year old Harlem resident and former Army service member. Officials said the man allegedly poured gasoline from a container onto the building’s steps before setting it on fire, while also using fireworks at the scene. Police and federal officials said the suspect was carrying anti ICE materials, suggesting the incident was connected to opposition toward the agency’s immigration enforcement policies.
The Department of Homeland Security said a Federal Protective Service officer detained the suspect after the incident and suffered minor injuries during the response. Two other individuals were also reported to have minor injuries. FBI officials described the event as a serious security incident, while investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding the attack and determining possible charges.
Arrabaca served in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2005, where officials said he worked with Patriot missile systems. Investigators later traced him to his home in Harlem as part of their investigation. Authorities said he had arrived in Manhattan the previous day and spent the night in Lower Manhattan before the incident occurred.
Federal prosecutors from the Southern District of New York said the investigation remained active and that no final charging decisions had been announced. It was unclear whether Arrabaca had legal representation. Officials are expected to review evidence from the scene, including security footage and witness statements, as they determine the full details of what happened.
The incident comes during a period of heightened political debate and public demonstrations surrounding immigration enforcement across the United States. ICE operations have become a major focus of protests and criticism from immigration advocates, while supporters of stronger enforcement policies have called for increased protection of federal officers and government facilities.
New York City officials condemned the incident while expressing relief that no one suffered serious injuries. Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the situation was deeply concerning but emphasized that authorities acted quickly to secure the area and take the suspect into custody.
The investigation into the Lower Manhattan fire highlights the growing tensions surrounding immigration policy and the challenges authorities face in balancing public demonstrations with security concerns. While protests remain a common part of political debate in the United States, officials have stressed that acts involving fire, explosives, or threats against public facilities will be treated as criminal matters regardless of the political motivations involved.
