‘White Powder’ Sent To ICE Building

Federal immigration authorities in New York reported receiving a mysterious bag of “white powder” this week, forcing the facility to go into lockdown as precautions were taken to protect lives.

26 Federal Plaza is home to New York’s office for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security, both of which were evacuated on Thursday after an envelope containing white powder was discovered.

Jacob K. Javits Federal Office Building, which sits at Foley Square in Manhattan, has been the stage for several prominent immigration activities in recent months, including the arrest of illegal immigrants on their way out of court hearings.

A spokesperson for DHS confirmed there is “no indication of danger” to the public after first responders worked to evacuate the building and contain the contents of the envelope.

“ICE is currently responding to an ongoing emergency at 26 Federal Plaza,” DHS wrote. “An unknown substance was found in one of the ICE offices. Out of an abundance of caution, the federal building was evacuated due to a potential threat to the safety of those inside. Some individuals are sheltering in place as part of established safety protocols.”

“At this time, there are no indications of danger to the public. We strongly encourage the public to avoid the area to allow emergency responders to address the situation,” DHS added.

New York Mayor Eric Adams confirmed news of the threat in a social media post on X on Thursday.

“New Yorkers, I have been preliminarily briefed on the matter unfolding at 26 Federal Plaza where envelopes containing white powder were discovered. I want to also reassure you that there are no known injuries at this time,” Adams wrote. “While we await test results from our federal partners, @FDNY Hazmat teams are on the ground to ensure the safety of everyone inside and outside of the building.”

According to the Daily Caller, the white powder-filled envelope was found on the building’s ninth floor, home to ICE. New York City Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry told reporters that authorities are still waiting for lab results to determine the substance.

No arrests have been made as a result of the discovery, which remains under FBI investigation.

The threat comes as Democratic legislatures across the country introduce bills that would strip ICE officers of their ability to cover their faces during active operations, potentially opening them up to doxxing and public identification. Far-left activists have set up online repositories where they name and locate ICE officers photographed in the field.

In July, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) shared the name and business card of an ICE employee with protestors. The man was later assaulted as he left work.