White Powder Found in ICE Processing Center at 26 Federal Plaza, Building Evacuated

Suspicious Discovery at 26 Federal Plaza

• 🚨 White powder was discovered inside the mail room of the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations on the 9th floor of 26 Federal Plaza in lower Manhattan.
• 🏢 The building, which houses federal law enforcement agencies including the FBI, Homeland Security, and ICE, was evacuated as a precaution.
• ✉️ Five suspicious envelopes containing the unknown white powder were received by the ICE unit.

Building's Controversial Status

• 🎯 26 Federal Plaza has become a target for protests, largely due to the presence of ICE and its role in handling removals of undocumented immigrants.
• ⚖️ The building has faced scrutiny amid increased deportations and a recent federal judge's order to improve conditions for detained immigrants.

Response and Investigation

• 🚒 Police and hazmat crews, including weapons of mass destruction and hazard evidence response teams, responded immediately to the scene.
• 👥 Detainees housed at the facility were relocated to an ICE facility in Newark while the building was secured.
• 🧪 Testing is ongoing to confirm the nature of the white powder, with city officials believing it is likely harmless.
• 🔒 Despite the potential harmlessness, sending such letters is considered a serious felony, and the FBI has launched an investigation.
• ✅ Officials reported that the incident was under control almost immediately without incident, with no injuries reported and decontamination processes working effectively.