Federal authorities disrupted a dangerous New Year’s Eve bombing plot in Southern California. The FBI arrested members of a radical left-wing group called the Turtle Island Liberation Front, including a transgender former U.S. Marine veteran. The plot targeted logistic centers and included plans to attack federal immigration agents.
Agents acted swiftly after surveilling the suspects in the Mojave Desert. The group tested explosive devices just days before the holiday, but the FBI intervened on December 12, 2025. No one was hurt, and New Year’s celebrations remained safe.
This case underscores rising concerns over homegrown extremism. The suspects opposed capitalism and government authority, posting calls for violence online. Their arrests highlight the role of public tips and joint task forces in preventing attacks.
The Suspects and Group Ties
Four main suspects faced charges: Audrey Illeene Carroll, 30, of Los Angeles; Zachary Aaron Page, 32, of Torrance; Dante Gaffield, 24, of Los Angeles; and Tina Lai, 41, of Glendale. A fifth arrest involved Micah James Legnon, a transgender ex-Marine veteran linked to the group’s “Order of the Black Lotus” faction.
Legnon, identified as a “trantifa” Marine vet in court complaints, aimed to “recreate Waco” on ICE facilities. The others shared a document called “Operation Midnight Sun,” outlining backpack bombs at five sites. Authorities described the plot as organized and violent, with bomb-making materials like PVC pipe and chemicals found on site.
The Turtle Island Liberation Front claims anticapitalist and anticolonization views. Its social media advocated attacks on U.S. officials, rejecting peaceful protests. A New Orleans arrest tied to the probe involved threats against FBI agents during a search.
How the FBI Uncovered the Plot
The bust began with monitoring of the group’s online activity in November 2025. Suspects planned simultaneous midnight detonations on December 31 using improvised explosive devices. FBI surveillance captured them near Twentynine Palms assembling bombs from everyday items.
Joint Terrorism Task Forces, including local police from Los Angeles and San Bernardino, supported the operation. Agents watched six people set up tents and vehicles before moving in. An FBI bomb expert confirmed materials could build pipe bombs and Molotov cocktails.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli noted the group had “everything needed” for operational bombs. FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis labeled it a “violent, homegrown, antigovernment group.” No buildings were hit, and all believed plotters are in custody.
Attack Plans and ICE Connection
Targets included logistic centers in Los Angeles and Orange counties, like those used by major companies. Follow-up plans eyed federal immigration agents and vehicles with pipe bombs. This tied the plot to anti-ICE sentiment amid border policy debates.
The handwritten operation guide detailed bomb assembly to avoid traceable evidence. Suspects aimed for maximum disruption during holiday crowds. Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the effort, vowing pursuit of terror groups under the Trump administration.
Experts see echoes of accelerationist tactics pushing societal collapse. ICE was not the primary target but part of escalation plans. The Mojave test site yielded key evidence, proving the plot’s advanced stage.
Broader Implications
These arrests spotlight threats from radicalized networks blending ideology and violence. Federal focus has grown on left-wing domestic terror since recent executive actions. Veterans in extremist groups raise alarms about post-service support gaps.
Prosecutors charged conspiracy and possession of destructive devices, facing serious penalties. Trials loom in early 2026. Public vigilance via tip lines remains vital, as seen in over 1,000 annual domestic terror reports.
As 2025 ends, the foiled plot shows intelligence work’s value. Communities can celebrate securely, thanks to proactive law enforcement. Ongoing probes may reveal more ties
Sources:
New York Post, 5th person arrested in NYE bombing plot is a ‘trantifa’ Marine vet out to ‘recreate Waco’ on ICE: complaint, 2025-12-16
LA Times, Feds say New Year’s Eve terror plot foiled in Southern California, 2025-12-15
CNN, FBI arrests four people it says were planning to detonate …, 2025-12-15
ABC News, 4 charged with plotting New Year’s Eve attacks in Southern …, 2025-12-15
Al Jazeera, Turtle Island Liberation Front quartet charged for California …, 2025-12-16
USA Today, FBI links ‘Turtle Island’ group to terror plot to bomb California, 2025-12-16