Texas Man Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS
MIDLOTHIAN, Texas — Federal authorities have charged 21-year-old John Michael Garza Jr. with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) after he allegedly engaged in a scheme involving cryptocurrency payments to an undercover agent posing as an ISIS operative. According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), Garza took concrete steps toward supporting violent jihad, including fundraising for terrorist activities and sharing bomb-making instructions.
Garza’s activities came to light after a New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer noticed his engagement with pro-ISIS social media accounts, including posting comments endorsing extremist content. The FBI then initiated an undercover operation, during which Garza communicated with an agent who posed as an “ISIS brother.” Throughout November and December, Garza expressed allegiance to ISIS ideology and shared multiple official ISIS media releases with the agent.
On December 22, Garza met with the undercover agent in person, bringing bomb-making materials to the meeting. He described how to mix explosive components and offered to send an instructional video detailing bomb construction. Shortly after the meeting, law enforcement arrested Garza.
Federal prosecutors revealed that Garza had made several cryptocurrency payments believing they would support ISIS causes, including the purchase of firearms and other materials. FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the bureau’s proactive approach, stating, “The FBI identified the threat early, tracked it aggressively, and shut it down before anyone was harmed. Keeping Americans safe is our mission, and we’re executing it every day.”
The case underscores ongoing efforts by U.S. law enforcement agencies to counter domestic and international terrorism threats. The FBI has been increasingly leveraging advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to detect and disrupt plots before they materialize, as outlined in recent statements by the bureau.FBI Director Kash Patel’s remarks on AI and counterterrorism highlight this evolving strategy.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi praised the operation, calling it a “testament to the incredible work of our federal agents, who work tirelessly to save American lives.” She reiterated the government’s commitment to dismantling ISIS’s poisonous ideology and prosecuting anyone who attempts to commit violence on its behalf.
Garza’s arrest follows a pattern of vigilance by federal and local agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the NYPD, which continue to monitor and disrupt extremist networks within the United States. The collaboration between local law enforcement and federal agencies remains crucial in identifying individuals who use emerging technologies such as cryptocurrency to fund terrorism.
As the investigation continues, federal prosecutors have charged Garza with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, a serious offense that carries significant penalties under U.S. law. This case serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by extremist groups and the importance of coordinated efforts to protect national security.
For more information on terrorism prevention and federal counterterrorism initiatives, visit the Department of Homeland Security Counterterrorism page and the FBI’s Terrorism Investigation section.
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