Image from The Department of Justice.
(Midlothian, Texas) – A 21-year-old Texas man has been arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State group, ISIS, after allegedly supplying bomb-making components and cash to undercover law enforcement officers he believed were members of the terrorist organization.
Federal authorities say John Michael Garza Jr., of Midlothian, was arrested on Dec. 22 following an undercover operation. According to a federal criminal complaint, Garza is accused of delivering explosive precursors, cash, and detailed instructions for assembling a shrapnel-laden device to an undercover FBI agent posing as an ISIS supporter. Prosecutors allege Garza suggested surrounding the device with nails to increase its lethality.
Investigators say the case began in mid-October, when an undercover New York City Police Department officer identified a social media account allegedly operated by Garza that was engaging with pro-ISIS content. Over the following weeks, authorities allege Garza shared official ISIS propaganda, including videos of suicide bombings and instructional materials related to explosives. Prosecutors also claim Garza sent small amounts of cryptocurrency to the undercover agent, believing the funds would be used to support ISIS operations and purchase weapons.
The investigation culminated in an in-person meeting in which Garza allegedly handed over bomb components to the undercover agent, whom he reportedly referred to as an ISIS “brother.” Garza made his initial court appearance on Dec. 23, and a detention hearing is scheduled for Tuesday to determine whether he will remain in federal custody as the case proceeds.
If convicted of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, Garza faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Federal officials emphasized that the operation highlights ongoing efforts to disrupt extremist threats before violence can occur, stressing that investigations focus on preventing attacks and protecting public safety.
