FBI Arrests 21-Year-Old Texas Man Allegedly Supporting ISIS with Funds and Bomb Materials

Midlothian, Texas — December 30, 2025

Federal authorities announced Monday that a 21-year-old Texas man has been charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization, following a sting operation that uncovered his alleged efforts to fund terrorist activities and supply components for explosive devices.

John Michael Garza Jr., of Midlothian, was arrested on December 22 after handing over bomb-making materials to an individual he believed was an ISIS supporter. In reality, the recipient was an undercover FBI agent.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the investigation began in mid-October when an undercover New York City Police Department employee identified Garza's social media account engaging with pro-ISIS content. Garza, who described himself as a Mexican-American living in Texas, soon expressed adherence to ISIS ideology in online conversations. He shared official ISIS propaganda, including videos of suicide bombings and images of explosions, and sent small amounts of cryptocurrency, believing the funds would support the group's operations, such as purchasing firearms.

As interactions escalated, Garza allegedly discussed plans to acquire explosive materials. He agreed to meet what he thought was another ISIS affiliate on December 22, where he delivered several explosive components, explained how to mix them for maximum effect— including packing with nails for shrapnel—and offered to provide an instructional video on bomb construction.

Law enforcement arrested Garza immediately after the meeting. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted."This case demonstrates the FBI's unwavering commitment to disrupting terrorist plots before they can harm Americans," FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement. "Let this serve as a warning: Those who seek to aid foreign terrorist organizations will be identified and brought to justice."U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas echoed the sentiment, stating that threats from individuals aligned with violent ideologies "must be stopped."

The operation involved coordination between the FBI's Dallas and New York field offices, the NYPD, Dallas Police Department, Midlothian Police Department, and Euless Police Department.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi praised the effort, calling ISIS's ideology "poisonous" and vowing that those attempting violence on its behalf "will be found, arrested, and prosecuted."The case highlights ongoing concerns over online radicalization and the use of cryptocurrency to evade detection in supporting terrorism. A detention hearing for Garza is scheduled for this week.This arrest comes amid heightened vigilance against domestic threats inspired by foreign terrorist groups, underscoring successful interagency efforts to prevent potential attacks on U.S. soil.

17GEN4.com