New York City’s 26 Federal Plaza building, which houses the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), was evacuated Thursday after an envelope containing “white powder” was discovered, officials said.
The Jacob K. Javits Federal Office Building, located on Foley Square in Manhattan, hosts several government agencies and has recently drawn media attention as ICE agents have made quick arrests of illegal migrants leaving immigration hearings. In a statement to the Daily Caller News Foundation, DHS confirmed the evacuation after an unknown substance was found, adding there was “no indication of danger” to the public as of Thursday evening.
“ICE is currently responding to an ongoing emergency at 26 Federal Plaza,” DHS wrote. “An unknown substance was found in one of the ICE offices. Out of an abundance of caution, the federal building was evacuated due to a potential threat to the safety of those inside. Some individuals are sheltering in place as part of established safety protocols,”
“At this time, there are no indications of danger to the public. We strongly encourage the public to avoid the area to allow emergency responders to address the situation,” DHS added.
Democrat New York City Mayor Eric Adam additionally confirmed the potential threat, posting to X that there have been no reported injuries.
“New Yorkers, I have been preliminarily briefed on the matter unfolding at 26 Federal Plaza where envelopes containing white powder were discovered. I want to also reassure you that there are no known injuries at this time,” Adams wrote. “While we await test results from our federal partners, @FDNY Hazmat teams are on the ground to ensure the safety of everyone inside and outside of the building.”
According to FOX 5, the envelopes were found on the building’s ninth floor, which houses ICE. New York City Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry said at a Thursday evening press conference that officials are still awaiting test results on the envelope’s contents.
No arrests have been made in connection to the incident, which remains under FBI investigation.
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