Explosion at NYC Immigration Court: What Immigrants Should Know
A man detonated an incendiary device at the entrance of 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan on Monday morning, injuring four people. That building is where thousands of immigrants go every week for immigration court hearings and USCIS appointments. As of Monday afternoon, it was unclear whether those proceedings would continue as scheduled.
A man set off an incendiary device outside 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan at 8:20 a.m. on Monday, July 21, 2026. Four civilians suffered minor injuries. The FBI's New York Joint Terrorism Task Force has taken the suspect into custody and is investigating.
26 Federal Plaza is one of the most important buildings for immigrant New Yorkers. It houses immigration court — run by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) — as well as a USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) office where people attend appointments for green cards, work permits, and other immigration benefits. ICE and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers are also based there. The building has been the site of multiple high-profile immigrant arrests under the current administration.
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According to DHS, the suspect launched fireworks that grazed a bystander, poured what appeared to be gasoline on the building's entrance stairs, and set it on fire. Officers recovered a pellet gun and a manifesto from the scene. DHS labeled the suspect an "anti-ICE rioter" on X, but provided no further evidence or context for that characterization. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the incident "deeply disturbing" and said his team is coordinating with the NYPD to support the federal investigation. As of Monday afternoon, EOIR had not responded to questions about whether immigration court hearings or USCIS appointments at the building would be affected.
What to do if you have a court date or USCIS appointment at 26 Federal Plaza
- Check your case status on the EOIR website or call the EOIR hotline before traveling to the building — hearings may be postponed or moved due to the incident.
- If you miss a court hearing because the building was closed or inaccessible, contact your immigration lawyer immediately. Missing a hearing without notice can result in an order of removal (deportation) issued in your absence.
- If you do not have a lawyer and cannot reach the court, document everything — screenshots, call logs, news reports — to show you made a good-faith effort to appear.
- Do not assume your hearing is canceled. Attend unless you receive official confirmation of a postponement from EOIR or your attorney.
Related: our step-by-step guide — “Your Rights During an ICE Encounter”.
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If you had a scheduled immigration court hearing at 26 Federal Plaza on the day of this incident and could not appear, you or your attorney should file a motion to reopen or reschedule as soon as possible, citing the emergency circumstances. Courts generally allow rescheduling when a closure or safety emergency prevents attendance, but you must act quickly — waiting too long can waive that right. Consult an immigration attorney before your next scheduled date to make sure your case is protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my immigration court hearing at 26 Federal Plaza still happen after this incident?
That is not confirmed yet. EOIR had not announced any changes as of Monday afternoon. Check the EOIR automated case information line or your attorney's guidance before traveling to the building.
What happens if I miss my immigration court hearing because the building was closed?
If you miss a hearing and the judge does not know why, the judge can issue an in absentia removal order — meaning you could be ordered deported without being present. Contact your attorney immediately and document why you could not appear.
Is 26 Federal Plaza safe to visit right now?
The suspect was taken into custody on the morning of the incident. However, the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is still investigating. Check official city and federal sources for any building closure notices before your visit.
Does this incident affect my ICE check-in or USCIS appointment at the same building?
Possibly. Both ICE and USCIS operate out of 26 Federal Plaza. If you have a scheduled appointment there, call ahead or check agency websites. Missing a required ICE check-in can have serious consequences, so contact your attorney before deciding not to appear.