Federal authorities have arrested a Texas man accused of attempting to assist ISIS by providing bomb-making materials, as law enforcement agencies across the country remain on heightened alert ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Fox News anchor Jacqui Heinrich announced the arrest during a network broadcast, linking the case to broader federal warnings about public safety.

“Federal agents have arrested a Texas man for allegedly trying to help ISIS. The Newly uncovered plot comes as DHS issues a warning urging people to remain vigilant during their New Year’s Eve celebrations,” Heinrich said.

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She added, “Fox News team coverage now. David Spunt has more on the Trump administration’s plan to step up security, but we begin with Brooke Taylor, live in Dallas on this Texas terror arrest. Brooke.”

Reporting from Dallas, Fox News correspondent Brooke Taylor detailed the investigation and charges against the suspect.

“Hi Jacqui. Well, federal charges have been filed against this ISIS sympathizer here in Texas. So he’s charged with trying to get bomb making materials to an undercover FBI agent who was opposing as an ISIS member,” Taylor said.

According to Taylor, the investigation began in October after an undercover New York Police Department officer identified suspicious online activity.

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“This investigation started back in October when an undercover NYPD officer flagged a social media account belonging to John Michael Garza Jr,” she said.

Taylor explained that the account followed and interacted with pro-ISIS content.

Taylor said the undercover officer initiated contact with Garza, who allegedly self-identified during the exchanges.

“The account followed several pro ISIS pages and commented on ISIS posts, the undercover officer started talking with Garza, who described himself as a 21 year old Mexican American living in Texas,” Taylor said.

Over the course of several months, prosecutors allege Garza shared extremist propaganda and technical material.

“Over the course of two months, Garza sent ISIS media releases to the undercover agent, including videos of suicide bombings and instructional bomb making videos,” Taylor said.

Authorities also allege financial support was provided.

“Prosecutors say he also sent small amounts of crypto currency to the agent, believing those funds would be used to buy guns and support ISIS,” Taylor said.

Taylor said the case culminated in an in-person meeting earlier this month.

“Last Monday, Garza agreed to meet a second person that he believed was an ISIS brother, but was really that FBI undercover agent. He allegedly handed over bomb materials to the agent and explained how to mix the chemicals,” she said.

Garza was arrested shortly after the meeting and now faces serious prison time. “He was arrested shortly after that meeting, and now faces a maximum of 20 years behind bars if he’s convicted,” Taylor said.

Taylor also relayed statements from federal leadership following the arrest.

“Attorney General Pam Bondi sharing this statement quote, ISIS poisonous. Ideology must be ripped out, root and stem. Anyone who tries to commit violence on ISIS behalf will be found, arrested and prosecuted. You cannot hide from us,” she said.

Taylor added that the FBI director issued a similar warning, stating, “Let this case serve as a reminder to anyone planning to attack the United States on behalf of a terrorist organization, you will be brought to justice, he said.”

Heinrich reacted to the report, saying, “Wow, incredible. They thwarted that horrific plan. Brooke Taylor, thank you so much.”

The broadcast then shifted to national security preparations for New Year’s Eve. Fox News correspondent Gillian Turner introduced the next segment, saying, “All right, have fun. Stay alert. That’s the new guidance from the Trump administration when it comes to safety on New Year’s Eve. David Spunt has more details for you and your family. He’s here in our DC newsroom today. Hey, David.”

David Spunt reported that law enforcement agencies nationwide are increasing security measures.

“Hey Gillian. Officials from Boston to New York to San Francisco and also cities large and small across the country paying close attention always, but even more during big events like this week’s New Year’s celebrations,” Spunt said.

He referenced a briefing held by city officials in New York. “Earlier today, officials in Manhattan held a news conference to brief the public on public safety. Watch,” Spunt said, before airing remarks from New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

“There will be assets that you will see and others that you will not see. The joint operation center will be fully activated with all of our cities, state and federal partners and personnel there will be actively monitoring fixed and mobile cameras. Intelligence teams will also be monitoring social media for potential threats,” Tisch said.

Spunt said federal and local agencies are coordinating closely following recent plots.

“The FBI, Secret Service, police and sheriff’s departments across the country are paying close attention to the next few days, in particular,” he said.

He cited a recent case in California, noting, “Just this month, a couple of weeks ago, the FBI announced a foiled plot in California where suspects allegedly planned to plant bombs to go off on New Year’s Eve at several communities in southern California, five people were taken into custody.”

Spunt also referenced a deadly attack last year.

“And of course, it’s been almost one year exactly since that attack in New Orleans. Just hours after 2025 officially rang in. The suspect drove a truck into a crowd, killing 14 innocent people,” he said, adding that the suspect was later killed by police.

Homeland Security officials echoed calls for public awareness.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin urged Americans to remain alert without retreating from public life.

“Just be vigilant. You should always be aware when you’re in large crowds or going to a large event, whether it be New Year’s Eve, the Super Bowl, the sugar bowl. Did America 250 these great events that are coming up?” McLaughlin said.

She added, “But what terrorists want is they want us to be afraid, and they want us to fear and not go out and celebrate our lives and our family and our great country. So don’t bend the knee. Get out there, go celebrate, but be aware.”

Spunt closed the segment with a familiar reminder. “Now, everybody watching and maybe listening on radio right now. Have heard this many times, but if you do see something, say something.”

WATCH:

BREAKING: The FBI just shut down another Islamic terror plot for New Year’s Eve in Texas.

The man was charged with giving bomb materials to an undercover FBI agent posing as an ISIS member.

The threats are escalating.
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— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) December 30, 2025

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