In Texas, on December 30, a suspected ISIS supporter from Midlothian has been charged with international terrorism after allegedly providing funds and explosive materials to an undercover FBI agent he believed to be linked to the terrorist organization. John Michael Garza Jr., a 21-year-old, faces federal charges for allegedly supplying money and bomb components to individuals he thought were associated with ISIS, as announced by the U.S. Department of Justice on December 29.

Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized, "The poisonous ideology of ISIS must be eradicated. Anyone attempting to commit violence on behalf of ISIS will be pursued, arrested, and prosecuted. You cannot evade us."

Garza appeared before a federal magistrate judge on December 23, with a probable cause and detention hearing scheduled for December 30.

If found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison.

Ryan Raybould, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, stated the operation relied on vigilant observation and swift action to avert a potentially devastating outcome.

According to the Justice Department, an undercover employee of the NYPD discovered a social media account in mid-October that was engaging with pro-ISIS content.

Further investigation revealed that the account was linked to Garza. The undercover officer initiated contact, during which Garza identified himself as a 21-year-old Mexican-American residing in Texas. Their communication continued through November and December.

During this time, Garza allegedly expressed his adherence to the ISIS ideology and shared various official ISIS media releases.

Investigators reported that Garza sent small amounts of cryptocurrency to the undercover NYPD employee, believing it would aid ISIS causes such as purchasing firearms and other materials.

He also allegedly shared videos related to bomb-making and suicide bombings.

Additionally, he began discussing strategies for acquiring explosive materials.

Garza arranged to meet a person he believed to be an ISIS supporter, who was actually an FBI agent, on December 22.

During this encounter, Garza allegedly provided several explosive components to the agent and described how to assemble them. He also offered to send an instructional video on bomb creation.

Law enforcement apprehended Garza shortly after this meeting.

FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock stated, "The FBI worked with our law enforcement partners to swiftly arrest an individual intending to supply bomb-making materials to a foreign terrorist organization." The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the FBI Dallas, NYPD, and local police departments.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch remarked, "The threats of terrorism and extremist violence against our nation are very real. The NYPD is dedicated to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling these networks at their source before they can inflict harm." Tisch added that anyone jeopardizing American lives will be prosecuted and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.