In a significant counter-terrorism operation, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) apprehended a young man in Texas on Monday for his alleged attempts to support the Islamic State (ISIS). The individual is accused of trying to supply components for building explosives and sending money to individuals he believed were acting for the designated terrorist organisation.
Details of the Alleged Terror Plot
According to FBI chief Kash Patel, 21-year-old John Michael Garza Jr. was taken into custody following a detailed investigation. The probe revealed that Garza, describing himself as a Mexican-American resident of Texas, was an active sympathiser of the ISIS ideology. He allegedly shared official ISIS propaganda releases and engaged in online conversations promoting the group's cause.
The investigation began in mid-October 2025 when an undercover employee from the New York City Police Department identified a social media account, later linked to Garza, that followed pro-ISIS profiles and commented on extremist content. After the undercover officer initiated contact, Garza openly expressed his support for ISIS throughout November and December.
Cryptocurrency and Bomb Components
Garza's alleged support went beyond online rhetoric. He is accused of sending multiple payments in cryptocurrency to the undercover agent during November and December, believing the funds would be used to purchase firearms and other materials for ISIS activities. The plot escalated when he agreed to provide physical materials for constructing an explosive device.
On Monday evening, Garza reportedly brought various bomb-making components to a meeting, handing them over to an individual he thought was an ISIS affiliate. Unbeknownst to him, he was dealing with an undercover FBI agent. During this encounter, Garza even described how to mix the components and offered to send an instructional video on bomb assembly.
The Sting Operation and Arrest
Law enforcement agents moved in swiftly, arresting John Michael Garza Jr. shortly after he left the meeting. FBI Chief Patel commended the operation, stating, "This is radical Islamic terrorism, and it was identified and stopped. Great work by our FBI teams and great law enforcement partners."
The FBI's press release emphasised that Garza attempted to deliver materials intended for explosive devices and sent cryptocurrency believing it would directly fund terrorist activity. This case highlights the continued domestic threat posed by online radicalisation and the use of digital currencies to finance extremism.
