A 21-year-old Midlothian man has been federally charged with an international terrorism offense after authorities say he attempted to provide bomb-making materials and financial support to individuals he believed were acting on behalf of ISIS.
United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that John Michael Garza Jr. was charged by federal complaint with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
“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.”
“The increasing threats of harm and destruction in our country made by those aligned with violent ideologies must be stopped,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “This operation is but one example highlighting the necessity of vigilant observation and swift action to halt what could have been a devastating outcome. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to take prompt action against those attempting to carry out alleged terrorist missions.”
“The FBI worked alongside our law enforcement partners to quickly arrest an individual who intended to provide bomb making materials to a foreign terrorist organization,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “Protecting the Homeland is a top priority for the FBI. This arrest demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding our communities from terrorism.”
According to court documents, Garza met with an individual on Monday evening, December 22, 2025, and provided multiple components used to make an explosive device. Investigators say Garza believed the individual was an ISIS “brother,” but the person was actually an FBI undercover agent. During the meeting, Garza allegedly explained how to mix the materials, discussed surrounding the device with nails, and offered to send an instructional video on how to build the bomb. He was arrested shortly after leaving the meeting.
The investigation began in mid-October 2025 when an undercover New York City Police Department employee identified a social media account linked to Garza that followed pro-ISIS pages and commented on extremist content. Authorities say Garza engaged in ongoing conversations with undercover officers over several months, during which he expressed support for ISIS ideology, shared official ISIS media releases, and sent small amounts of cryptocurrency that he believed would be used to support ISIS activities, including purchasing weapons.
Investigators also allege Garza shared extremist propaganda videos and discussed plans to acquire explosive-making materials, ultimately agreeing to meet in person to provide those components.
Garza made his initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate judge on December 23, 2025. A probable cause and detention hearing is scheduled for December 30. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Dallas and New York Field Offices and the New York City Police Department, with assistance from several North Texas law enforcement agencies. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas and the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
Authorities emphasized that the charge is an allegation, and Garza is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in federal court.
