Prosecutors say the ISIS "brother" was actually an undercover law enforcement agent.
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An alleged ISIS sympathizer from North Texas has been charged in federal court after authorities say he tried to supply bomb-making components and money to people he believed were acting on behalf of the Islamic State.
John Michael Garza Jr., 21, of Midlothian, Texas, was charged by federal complaint last week with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. Investigators say the case culminated on Monday evening, Dec. 22, when Garza arrived at a meeting carrying various explosive components and handed them to an individual he thought was an ISIS “brother.” Prosecutors say the person was actually an undercover law enforcement agent.
During the encounter, Garza allegedly explained how to combine the materials and suggested adding nails to increase the destructive effect. He also offered to send an instructional video showing how to build the device, according to the complaint. Agents arrested him shortly after he left the meeting.
Authorities say the investigation began months earlier online. In mid-October 2025, an undercover employee with the New York Police Department noticed a social media account, later linked to Garza, that followed multiple pro-ISIS accounts and commented on a pro-ISIS post, according to the complaint. After initiating contact, the undercover investigator says Garza identified himself as a 21-year-old Mexican-American living in Texas and expressed support for ISIS ideology.
In conversations that continued through November and December, Garza allegedly sent official ISIS propaganda releases and other materials. Prosecutors say he also transferred small amounts of cryptocurrency in November and December 2025, believing he was funding ISIS-related causes, including the purchase of firearms and other supplies. As the discussions progressed, Garza allegedly began describing plans to obtain materials to make explosives. He then agreed to meet on Dec. 22 with a second individual he believed supported ISIS activities, authorities said. That meeting, according to the complaint, is when he provided the bomb components and offered additional guidance.
Federal officials framed the case as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt potential extremist violence before it turns into an attack. “This case is a testament to the incredible work of our federal agents, who work tirelessly to save American lives,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement, adding that anyone who attempts violence on ISIS’s behalf “will be found, arrested, and prosecuted.”
FBI Director Kash Patel said the charges highlight the bureau’s focus on stopping terrorism plots aimed at the public. “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.
US Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas said the investigation underscores the need for “vigilant observation and swift action” to stop threats tied to violent ideologies.
Garza made his initial appearance in federal court on Dec. 23. A probable-cause and detention hearing is scheduled for Dec. 30. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
John Michael Garza Jr., 21, of Midlothian, Texas, was charged by federal complaint last week with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. Investigators say the case culminated on Monday evening, Dec. 22, when Garza arrived at a meeting carrying various explosive components and handed them to an individual he thought was an ISIS “brother.” Prosecutors say the person was actually an undercover law enforcement agent.
During the encounter, Garza allegedly explained how to combine the materials and suggested adding nails to increase the destructive effect. He also offered to send an instructional video showing how to build the device, according to the complaint. Agents arrested him shortly after he left the meeting.
Authorities say the investigation began months earlier online. In mid-October 2025, an undercover employee with the New York Police Department noticed a social media account, later linked to Garza, that followed multiple pro-ISIS accounts and commented on a pro-ISIS post, according to the complaint. After initiating contact, the undercover investigator says Garza identified himself as a 21-year-old Mexican-American living in Texas and expressed support for ISIS ideology.
In conversations that continued through November and December, Garza allegedly sent official ISIS propaganda releases and other materials. Prosecutors say he also transferred small amounts of cryptocurrency in November and December 2025, believing he was funding ISIS-related causes, including the purchase of firearms and other supplies. As the discussions progressed, Garza allegedly began describing plans to obtain materials to make explosives. He then agreed to meet on Dec. 22 with a second individual he believed supported ISIS activities, authorities said. That meeting, according to the complaint, is when he provided the bomb components and offered additional guidance.
Federal officials framed the case as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt potential extremist violence before it turns into an attack. “This case is a testament to the incredible work of our federal agents, who work tirelessly to save American lives,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement, adding that anyone who attempts violence on ISIS’s behalf “will be found, arrested, and prosecuted.”
FBI Director Kash Patel said the charges highlight the bureau’s focus on stopping terrorism plots aimed at the public. “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.
US Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas said the investigation underscores the need for “vigilant observation and swift action” to stop threats tied to violent ideologies.
Garza made his initial appearance in federal court on Dec. 23. A probable-cause and detention hearing is scheduled for Dec. 30. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
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