Dallas, Texas, December 31, 2025
A 21-year-old man from Midlothian, Texas, faces federal charges for attempting to provide support to ISIS. The allegations include supplying bomb-making materials. His defense claims he was instigated by undercover officers and sought to impress them. The legal proceedings will determine the outcome of the case amidst ongoing federal efforts to combat domestic terrorism.
Dallas, Texas – Accused ISIS Sympathizer Claims Undercover Police Instigation
Dallas, Texas – A 21-year-old man from Midlothian, Texas, has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, specifically the Islamic State (ISIS). The U.S. Department of Justice announced the charges on December 29, 2025. John Michael Garza Jr. is accused of supplying bomb-making materials and funds to individuals he believed were affiliated with ISIS. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Details of the Alleged Activities
According to the federal complaint, the investigation began in mid-October 2025 when an undercover New York City Police Department employee identified Garza’s social media account, which followed several pro-ISIS accounts. The undercover officer initiated contact with Garza, who described himself as a 21-year-old Mexican-American living in Texas. Over the following months, Garza expressed his support for ISIS ideology, shared official ISIS media releases, and sent small amounts of cryptocurrency, believing he was supporting ISIS causes, including the purchase of firearms and other materials.
On December 22, 2025, Garza met with an undercover FBI agent, whom he believed to be an ISIS member. During this meeting, Garza provided bomb-making materials, explained how to mix the components, and offered to send an instructional video on constructing explosive devices. He was arrested shortly after the meeting.
Defense Argument
Garza’s attorney, Errin Martin, argued that the undercover officer initiated contact with Garza on Instagram, and there is no evidence that Garza would have committed the alleged offense without this solicitation. Martin suggested that Garza may have been attempting to impress the officer.
Background Information
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office and the New York City Police Department, with assistance from the Dallas Police Department, Midlothian Police Department, and Euless Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Madeleine Case and DOJ Trial Attorney David Courchaine with the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Related Cases
This case is part of ongoing efforts by federal authorities to disrupt and prevent terrorist activities within the United States. Similar cases have involved individuals attempting to provide support to designated foreign terrorist organizations, leading to federal charges and convictions. For instance, in 2015, Joshua Ryne Goldberg was convicted for attempting to orchestrate a bombing while posing as an Islamic terrorist affiliated with ISIS.
Legal Proceedings
Garza made his initial court appearance on December 23, 2025, in U.S. District Court for Northern Texas. A probable cause and detention hearing was scheduled for December 30, 2025. The legal process will determine the outcome of the charges against Garza.
Public Safety and Counterterrorism Efforts
Authorities emphasize the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in identifying and preventing potential threats. The collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies is crucial in safeguarding communities from terrorism-related activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges has John Michael Garza Jr. faced?
John Michael Garza Jr. has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, specifically the Islamic State (ISIS). If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
How did the investigation into Garza begin?
The investigation began in mid-October 2025 when an undercover New York City Police Department employee identified Garza’s social media account, which followed several pro-ISIS accounts. The undercover officer initiated contact with Garza, leading to further interactions over the following months.
What was Garza’s alleged involvement with ISIS?
Garza allegedly expressed support for ISIS ideology, shared official ISIS media releases, and sent small amounts of cryptocurrency, believing he was supporting ISIS causes, including the purchase of firearms and other materials. He also provided bomb-making materials to an undercover FBI agent, whom he believed to be an ISIS member.
What is Garza’s defense argument?
Garza’s attorney, Errin Martin, argued that the undercover officer initiated contact with Garza on Instagram, and there is no evidence that Garza would have committed the alleged offense without this solicitation. Martin suggested that Garza may have been attempting to impress the officer.
What is the status of Garza’s legal proceedings?
Garza made his initial court appearance on December 23, 2025, in U.S. District Court for Northern Texas. A probable cause and detention hearing was scheduled for December 30, 2025. The legal process will determine the outcome of the charges against Garza.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | John Michael Garza Jr., 21, Midlothian, Texas |
| Charges | Attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (ISIS); up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted |
| Investigation Start | Mid-October 2025; undercover NYPD officer identifies Garza’s pro-ISIS social media activity |
| Alleged Actions | Expressed support for ISIS; shared official media releases; sent cryptocurrency; provided bomb-making materials to undercover FBI agent |
| Defense Argument | Undercover officer initiated contact; no evidence Garza would have committed offense without solicitation; possibly attempting to impress officer |
| Legal Proceedings | Initial court appearance on December 23, 2025; probable cause and detention hearing scheduled for December 30, 2025 |
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