Texas — Federal authorities have charged a 21-year-old North Texas man with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State group after investigators say he brought bomb-making components to a meeting with an undercover law enforcement agent posing as an ISIS supporter.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday that John Michael Garza Jr. was arrested following a months-long undercover investigation that began with a social media tip and escalated into alleged plans to assist the terrorist organization with explosives.
Garza appeared in federal court on Dec. 23 and is scheduled to return for a probable cause and detention hearing on Tuesday. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
How the Investigation Began
According to federal authorities, the case originated in mid-October when an undercover employee with the New York Police Department identified a social media account that had followed multiple pro-ISIS profiles and shared posts expressing support for the extremist group.
Investigators determined the account belonged to Garza, who identified himself during online conversations as a Mexican American living in Texas. Authorities say he openly stated that he “ascribed to the ISIS ideology” and began sharing official ISIS propaganda materials with the undercover officer.
Those materials allegedly included images of explosions, masked fighters, and bomb-making instructional content attributed to ISIS media outlets.
Alleged Financial and Material Support
Federal prosecutors say Garza’s online activity went beyond ideological support. In November and December, he allegedly sent small cryptocurrency payments to the undercover officer, believing the funds would be used to purchase firearms and other resources for ISIS.
Investigators say Garza later expressed interest in building explosives and discussed acquiring specific components to do so. According to the DOJ, Garza believed he would eventually meet with another ISIS supporter to hand over the materials.
That meeting allegedly took place on Dec. 22, when Garza arrived with bomb-making components and met with an undercover agent posing as an ISIS “brother.”
Meeting With Undercover Agent
During the in-person meeting, Garza allegedly explained how to mix the materials and offered to send a video demonstrating how to assemble the explosive device, according to court documents.
Authorities say Garza was arrested shortly after the meeting and charged in a federal complaint with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, a serious felony under U.S. law.
Officials emphasized that no explosive device was detonated and that the alleged plot was disrupted before anyone was harmed.
Statements From Federal and Local Officials
Attorney General Pamela Bondi praised the coordinated effort between agencies, calling the case an example of proactive counterterrorism work.
“ISIS’s poisonous ideology must be ripped out root and stem — anyone who tries to commit violence on ISIS’s behalf will be found, arrested, and prosecuted,” Bondi said. “You cannot hide from us.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the case underscores the continuing threat posed by online radicalization.
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“The threats of terrorism and extremist violence against our nation are still very real,” Tisch said. “The NYPD remains committed to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling these networks at their source — before they can reach their murderous ends.”
FBI Director Kash Patel echoed those sentiments, warning that individuals who attempt to act on behalf of terrorist groups will be held accountable.
“Let this serve as a warning to those who plan to conduct attacks against the United States on behalf of terrorist organizations — you will be brought to justice,” Patel said.
Agencies Involved in the Case
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Dallas Field Office and the NYPD, with assistance from:
- FBI New York Field Office
- Dallas Police Department
- Midlothian Police Department
- Euless Police Department
Federal authorities credited the collaboration between local and federal agencies with stopping the alleged plot before it escalated into violence.
Broader Concerns About Online Radicalization
Officials noted that the case highlights how extremist groups continue to use social media platforms to spread propaganda and recruit sympathizers, particularly young adults.
Law enforcement agencies have increasingly focused on monitoring online spaces where extremist ideology circulates, emphasizing early intervention when individuals begin expressing intent to provide operational support.
Authorities stressed that material support charges do not require an attack to be carried out — attempting to provide resources, funds, or training to a terrorist organization is sufficient for prosecution under federal law.
What Comes Next
Garza remains in federal custody as the case proceeds. Prosecutors are expected to argue that he poses a public safety risk and should be detained pending trial.
As the legal process continues, officials say the case serves as a reminder that extremist threats can emerge from domestic sources and that vigilance — both online and offline — remains critical.
What are your thoughts on how law enforcement monitors online extremism and intervenes before violence occurs? Share your perspective in the comments below.
