A man accused of carrying out what authorities describe as an anti-ICE attack is in custody after investigators say he detonated an explosive device outside a federal building in New York City and allegedly planned to kill federal employees and civilians.
According to authorities, the suspect was taken into custody after federal agents responded to the scene. Investigators allege he arrived armed with an explosive device and multiple weapons and made statements indicating he was prepared to carry out a deadly attack.
Speaking with The National News Desk, former FBI special agent in charge and former Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis said the case reflects a broader concern about politically motivated violence targeting law enforcement.
“When I look at this, I always ask myself, ‘What’s the motivation?'” Weis said. “Years ago we were worried about individuals being radicalized by ISIS. Now, sadly, it seems like it’s happening within our own country.”
Weis argued that heated public rhetoric surrounding Immigration and Customs Enforcement has contributed to a more dangerous environment for federal agents.
“My fear is this is going to happen again and again and again until things calm down a little bit,” he said.
Authorities have said the suspect was motivated by anti-ICE and anti-government views. Asked what that means for law enforcement officers working immigration enforcement operations, Weis said the threats facing agents have increased significantly.
“Just look at the facts,” he said, citing Department of Homeland Security statistics. “Assaults are up… death threats against not only the agents, but their families… and then trying to be run over by a vehicle.”
Weis attributed those increases to what he described as persistent criticism of ICE by some elected officials and media coverage surrounding the agency’s operations.
“If someone is hurt by ICE while they’re performing their legal actions, that’s all you hear about,” Weis said. “If a U.S. citizen is killed… you don’t hear a word.”
The incident comes as the Trump administration rolls out new policies requiring ICE agents to wear body cameras during vehicle stops and other enforcement operations.
Weis said he believes the cameras will provide important transparency while also protecting officers by documenting the full context of encounters.
“I love body-worn cameras,” he said. “They get the truth out. They capture the before, during and after of any of these incidents.”
He said the footage can also improve officer training by highlighting both successful tactics and situations where procedures can be strengthened.
“It gives opportunity for training,” Weis said. “If there’s an incident where the officers really performed well, that can be used to train new officers coming on. And if there’s an issue where maybe things could have been done differently, you can actually learn that.”
Weis noted that many officers were initially hesitant about wearing body cameras when they were introduced in the Chicago Police Department but said opinions changed over time.
“Everybody was nervous about that because it was going to capture everything I do,” he said. “Then they started realizing, ‘Wait a minute, now it captures what led up to me perhaps having to make a use-of-force decision.’ So it gets the truth out there.”
He added that he believes the public will benefit from seeing the challenges ICE agents face during enforcement operations.
“I think that’s so important for ICE right now, that the American public sees what these men and women are facing every day,” Weis said.
The investigation into the New York City incident remains ongoing as federal authorities continue reviewing the suspect’s alleged actions and motive. Prosecutors have not yet announced all potential charges related to the case.