NYPD undercover officer connects with Texas ISIS suspect on Instagram, resulting in arrest by federal authorities.

An undercover operation by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) has led to the arrest of a 21-year-old Texas man allegedly attempting to provide support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. John Michael Garza was taken into custody on December 22, 2025, and is facing charges of providing material support to ISIS. Federal authorities have emphasized the seriousness of the case, which underscores ongoing concerns about domestic terrorism and the capabilities of law enforcement to disrupt such threats.

Garza’s online activities first caught the attention of law enforcement in October 2025. An undercover officer monitoring Instagram discovered that Garza followed several pro-ISIS accounts and had interacted with content supportive of the terrorist organization. This prompted further investigation, during which the undercover officer initiated contact with Garza, ultimately engaging him in discussions about jihad, support for ISIS, and aspirations towards becoming a suicide bomber.

Throughout their interaction, Garza reportedly sent small sums of money to the undercover officer, believing that he was financially supporting an ISIS fighter overseas. As their conversations progressed, Garza shared various extremist materials and expressed a strong desire to participate in violent acts, including plans to construct explosive devices. In November, they discussed bomb-making techniques, and Garza indicated his eagerness to obtain specific components necessary for making explosives.

On December 5, the undercover officer proposed that Garza assist another individual in making a bomb. Despite initial hesitation stemming from concerns about the legitimacy of this contact, Garza ultimately agreed to provide materials and instructions for bomb-making. He even discussed potential attacks, including targeting law enforcement.

On the night of his arrest, Garza was scheduled to meet with another undercover agent disguised as a fellow supporter of ISIS. During this meeting, he allegedly provided the agent with bomb-making materials, including chemicals such as acetone and hydrogen peroxide, along with a detonator.

Following his arrest, authorities located additional explosives-related items at Garza’s residence. Despite claiming that he purchased these chemicals for innocuous purposes, his actions and communications suggest a clear intent to support terrorist activities.

Garza now faces a potential federal prison sentence of up to 20 years if convicted. This case exemplifies the efforts of law enforcement agencies to identify and neutralize domestic extremism threats before they manifest into violent actions. The NYPD has reiterated its commitment to countering such networks at the source to prevent tragedies linked to terrorist ideologies.

In light of this development, the legal processes surrounding Garza will proceed, with his lawyer reportedly declining to comment on the situation at this time. His case will be addressed in the Northern District of Texas Federal Court, where he is expected to remain in custody pending further legal proceedings.