Suspected Packages Create Alarm in Lower Manhattan: Packages Delivered to Federal Plaza, Home to ICE, which has Arrested Many Immigrants
In Lower Manhattan, an unexpected incident unfolded on Thursday afternoon when five envelopes containing a white powder were discovered in the mailroom on the 9th floor of 26 Federal Plaza. The building, which houses ICE offices and courts, also includes ICE detention facilities on the 10th floor.
The substance, initially deemed suspicious, prompted an immediate evacuation and FBI investigation. Preliminary testing indicated the substance was boric acid, a chemical found in pesticides, which is not considered a dangerous or lethal substance but can be harmful if ingested. No injuries were reported from exposure.
FBI Assistant Director Christopher Raia emphasized that this matter is not being taken lightly. He stated that the substance is not yet confirmed to be dangerous, but warned against sending threatening packages. Raia also reminded the public that such actions are a crime.
The FBI responded to the scene and the substance was sent to their Quantico office for further testing. The FDNY Hazmat Team was also called to the scene to assist. The FBI's investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the NYPD is involved in the investigation as well.
The location has been a site of numerous immigrant seizures by federal agents in recent months. This incident comes shortly after a federal judge ruled on Wednesday that ICE must no longer hold immigrants at the location due to overcrowded and inhumane conditions. However, ICE and the Department of Homeland Security dispute these claims and plan to appeal the court order.
Emergency service personnel evacuated individuals on several surrounding floors, including ICE detainees. Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Kaz Daughtry stated that there are no injuries at this time. The public will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
[1] New York Times, "FBI Investigates Suspicious Packages at Lower Manhattan Federal Building," 24 June, 2021. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/24/nyregion/fbi-investigates-suspicious-packages-at-lower-manhattan-federal-building.html
[2] CNN, "White Powder Sent to Federal Building in Lower Manhattan," 24 June, 2021. [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/24/us/white-powder-sent-to-federal-building-lower-manhattan/index.html
[3] CBS News, "Five Letters Containing White Powder Found at Lower Manhattan Federal Building," 24 June, 2021. [online] Available at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/white-powder-letters-found-at-lower-manhattan-federal-building/
[4] NBC News, "FBI Investigates Suspicious Packages at Lower Manhattan Federal Building," 24 June, 2021. [online] Available at: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fbi-investigates-suspicious-packages-lower-manhattan-federal-building-n1270308
[5] Associated Press, "White Powder Sent to Lower Manhattan Federal Building," 24 June, 2021. [online] Available at: https://apnews.com/article/white-powder-sent-to-lower-manhattan-federal-building-4b392274d118b5d84e8999f7500b7461
- The general-news outlets reported about the FBI investigation into a suspicious incident at a Lower Manhattan federal building, specifically concerning five letters containing white powder, resulting in an evacuation and raising concerns about crime-and-justice within the political sphere.
- Amidst concerns about the safety of the Lower Manhattan federal building, due to a recent discovery of suspicious packages, political discussions have arisen regarding the importance of maintaining secure facilities, especially those housing immigration courts and detention centers, within the realm of crime-and-justice and general-news.
