Texas Man Arrested After Delivering Bomb Materials to FBI Undercover Agent

Social Media Surveillance Uncovers Terror Plot

A months-long federal investigation that began with social media monitoring has led to the arrest of a 21-year-old Texas man who authorities say attempted to provide bomb-making materials to ISIS. John Michael Garza Jr., 21, allegedly brought bomb-making materials to a meeting with an undercover agent posing as an ISIS "brother" last Monday and was charged with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

The case began in mid-October 2025 when an undercover New York City Police Department employee noticed a particular social media account — later determined to be Garza's — that followed several other pro-ISIS accounts and wrote a comment on a pro-ISIS post. When the NYPD undercover engaged with Garza on social media, Garza described himself as a 21-year-old Mexican-American living in Texas.

In their continuing conversations throughout November and December, Garza shared that he ascribed to the ISIS ideology and sent the undercover multiple official ISIS media releases. As the New York undercover officer and Garza continued to chat online, Garza shared that he ascribed to ISIS ideology and even sent small amounts of cryptocurrency, believing he was helping support ISIS causes.

The Sting Operation Unfolds

As alleged, Garza began telling the undercover agent of his plans to buy materials to make explosives. Garza told him that he would buy the ingredients and agreed to meet with a second individual who Garza believed to support ISIS activities on Monday, Dec 22. The two-and-a-half-month investigation culminated in a meeting at a Dallas park on Dec. 22, according to the complaint. Investigators say Garza met with another undercover officer, whom he believed to be an ISIS "brother," and handed over bomb-making materials.

At the meeting, Garza handed the FBI undercover several explosive components. As alleged, Garza explained how to mix the ingredients and surround them with nails, and he offered to send the undercover an instructional bomb-building video. Garza was arrested roughly 30 minutes later at his home in Midlothian. The DOJ says a search of the home uncovered what Garza had described as a detonator.

Family Shocked by Allegations

The suspect, 21-year-old John Garza Jr., was born in Arlington and lives with his family in Midlothian, according to his father, John Garza Sr., who spoke with NBC 5. Garza Sr. said he works with his son at a restoration business and was shocked to learn of the allegations. He said his son has never expressed pro-ISIS ideations and was diagnosed with a neurological disorder. He believes his son was preyed upon and pressured into doing things he would not have done otherwise.

Garza appeared before a United States magistrate judge for his initial appearance on Dec. 23. A probable cause and detention hearing is scheduled for Dec. 30. If convicted, Garza faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

Law Enforcement Response and Implications

"This case is a testament to the incredible work of our federal agents, who work tirelessly to save American lives," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "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. You cannot hide from us." "Today's announcement underscores the FBI's commitment to combatting terrorism and demonstrates our continuous work to disrupt and thwart terrorist plots against the American public," said FBI Director Kash Patel.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI's Dallas Field Office and the NYPD, with assistance by FBI's New York Field Office, Dallas Police Department, Midlothian Police Department, and Euless Police Department. The case demonstrates how law enforcement agencies are adapting their surveillance techniques to monitor social media platforms for potential terrorist recruitment and radicalization, particularly as extremist groups increasingly use online platforms to identify and groom potential supporters.