A federal building in Lower Manhattan housing multiple U.S. agencies was evacuated Thursday afternoon after envelopes containing an unidentified white powder were discovered at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office.
Discovery and immediate response
According to the New York Fire Department (FDNY), crews responded to 26 Federal Plaza at approximately 3:55 p.m. following reports of the suspicious substance inside room 936 on the 9th floor of the Jacob K. Javits Federal Office Building.
Hazardous materials (hazmat) teams were deployed to assess and contain the scene, while the entire building was evacuated as a precaution.
Mayor Eric Adams confirmed there were no known injuries and reassured the public that the investigation is being handled by federal and local authorities. “Test results on the contents of the envelopes are still pending,” he said.
What is inside 26 Federal Plaza?
The 41-story tower, located near Foley Square, serves as a hub for several federal agencies, including:
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) New York field office
- Immigration court and ICE detention facilities
The building’s detention center has been under scrutiny in recent months. A federal judge recently ordered the Trump administration to improve conditions, citing complaints about overcrowding, poor hygiene, lack of basic supplies like soap and toothbrushes, and unsanitary food.
Investigation underway
Authorities have not confirmed what the powder is or whether it poses any danger. Hazmat teams remain on site conducting tests, while the Federal Protective Service and FBI are assisting with the investigation.
Mayor Adams said he had been “preliminarily briefed” and stressed that “federal and local agencies are working together to manage the situation safely.”
Officials have not indicated when the building will reopen.