Five envelopes containing boric acid powder were delivered to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in Manhattan, temporarily shutting down the building and leading to an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and other sources, five envelopes containing suspicious white powder were delivered to 26 Federal Plaza, a building in Lower Manhattan, on the afternoon of the 14th. The building houses federal agencies, including ICE. After the envelopes containing the powder were discovered, the FBI, NYPD, and the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) responded, shutting down the building and evacuating residents. The five envelopes in question were found in the ICE Enforcement and Deportation Operations mailroom on the 9th floor of the building.
Six people were nearby when the envelopes were opened, and two of them were directly exposed to the powder but did not appear to be in serious health condition. According to officials, initial testing on the powder indicates that it was boric acid. Boric acid, used in disinfectants and pesticides, is non-toxic when ingested in small amounts, but can be dangerous in high doses.
The exact amount contained in each packet has not yet been disclosed, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams has stated that it is not a dangerous substance. The FBI would not comment on the contents of the letter containing the powder, stating that the investigation is ongoing.
The incident occurred after a federal court recently ordered ICE to improve the substandard conditions at a temporary detention facility in Manhattan. ICE is using the 10th floor of the building as a temporary detention facility. The FBI stated, “Sending these types of threatening letters is a crime. We will not take this matter lightly.” Mayor Adams also stated, “While no hazardous materials were involved, this is a serious crime, and those involved will be brought to justice.”