Former Army soldier arrested after fire at NYC ICE building

A former U.S. Army soldier was taken into custody on Monday, July 20, 2026, after allegedly igniting a fire and firing an airsoft rifle outside a federal building in Lower Manhattan. Andrew Arrabaca, 43, is accused of targeting 26 Federal Plaza, a building housing Immigration and Customs Enforcement offices and an immigration court, in what officials described as an anti-government attack.

The incident unfolded around 8:20 a.m. Authorities said Arrabaca poured gasoline on the ground outside the building and ignited it using a lighter and a large firework contained in a canister. He then allegedly fired five to seven pellets from an airsoft rifle toward the building. Video footage from the scene showed a plume of smoke rising from the entrance. A security officer tackled Arrabaca, and he was subdued with the help of federal officers.

Three people sustained minor injuries: one civilian and two government employees. Officials stated the injured civilian was an immigrant who had a scheduled hearing at the immigration court that morning. One police officer and a security contractor were also reported to have suffered minor injuries during the apprehension.