Texas Man Charged in ISIS-Linked Terrorism Plot

An alleged ISIS sympathizer from North Texas has been federally charged with an international terrorism offense after authorities say he attempted to provide bomb-making materials and financial support to what he believed was a foreign terrorist organization.

John Michael Garza, Jr., 21, of Midlothian, Texas, was charged by federal complaint with attempting to provide material support or resources to ISIS.

According to court documents, Garza was arrested on December 22, after meeting with an individual he believed to be an ISIS supporter and handing over bomb components. The individual was an undercover law enforcement agent.

During the meeting, Garza allegedly explained how to mix the explosive materials, suggested surrounding them with nails to increase lethality, and offered to send an instructional video detailing how to build the bomb.

He was taken into custody shortly after leaving the meeting.

"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. "ISIS's poisonous ideology must be ripped out root and stem -- anyone who tries to commit violence on ISIS's behalf will be found, arrested, and prosecuted."

The investigation began mid-October 2025, when an undercover New York Police Department employee identified a social media account later linked to Garza that followed multiple pro-ISIS accounts and engaged with extremist content.

In following online conversations, Garza allegedly expressed allegiance to ISIS ideology and shared official ISIS media releases, including images of explosions and a video depicting a suicide vehicle bombing.

Garza also allegedly sent small amounts of cryptocurrency in November and December 2025, believing the funds would be used to support ISIS activities such as purchasing firearms and other materials.

"Today's announcement underscores the FBI's commitment to combating terrorism and demonstrates our continuous work to disrupt and thwart terrorist plots," said FBI Director Kash Patel.

Garza made his initial court appearance on December 23, with a probable cause and detention hearing being scheduled for December 30. The case continues to be investigated by the FBI and the NYPD, with assistance from multiple Texas law enforcement agencies.

If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.