A Texas man thought he was handing bomb-making materials to an Islamic State (ISIS) operative, but he was actually meeting an undercover agent, prosecutors alleged.

Federal authorities arrested 21-year-old John Michael Garza Jr. of Midlothian, Texas, on Dec. 22, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Monday. Garza provided explosive components to an undercover Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent he thought was a supporter of the foreign terrorist organization, according to a federal complaint.

Prosecutors charged him with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, an international terrorism offense.

The sting operation began in mid-October when an undercover New York City Police Department (NYPD) employee allegedly spotted Garza’s social media account following pro-ISIS pages. Garza said he was a 21-year-old Mexican-American residing in Texas after the NYPD undercover reached out, according to the complaint. (RELATED: ‘Evidence Of Explosives’ Found In FBI Arrest Of Alleged ISIS Financier)

The @FBI and our partners have arrested a 21-year-old alleged ISIS sympathizer in Texas – following a terrorism investigation into attempts to provide bomb-making components and financial support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

The subject allegedly shared ISIS…

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) December 30, 2025

Garza allegedly declared his support for ISIS beliefs and shared the organization’s media releases in November and December. He also sent the undercover agent small sums of cryptocurrency while believing the money would fund ISIS causes, including purchasing guns and additional materials, authorities said.

The investigation culminated when Garza allegedly agreed to meet with someone he thought was an ISIS “brother.” He handed over explosive components and told the other person how to mix the ingredients at the meeting, according to the DOJ. He also allegedly offered to send an instructional bomb-building video.

Law enforcement apprehended Garza shortly following his departure, authorities said.

“This case is a testament to the incredible work of our federal agents, who work tirelessly to save American lives,” U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said. “ISIS’s poisonous ideology must be ripped out root and stem — anyone who tries to commit violence on ISIS’s behalf will be found, arrested, and prosecuted. You cannot hide from us.”

FBI Director Kash Patel called the arrest a warning. “Let this serve as a warning to those who plan to conduct attacks against the United States on behalf of terrorist organizations – you will be brought to justice,” Patel said.

Garza appeared in front of a magistrate judge on Dec. 23. He was set to appear for a probable cause and detention hearing Tuesday. If found guilty, he faces up to 20 years behind bars.