White-powder envelope sent to NYC ICE office said it was delivering ‘karma’ for migrants
Sinister White Powder Envelopes Sent to ICE Office in Manhattan
One of the envelopes containing white powder that was sent to an ICE office in Manhattan this week included a threatening note referencing “karma” for migrants, according to law enforcement sources.
The envelope, which was one of five found to contain boric acid in the ninth-floor mailroom at 26 Federal Plaza, had a note with lyrics from the Anthrax song “A Skeleton in the Closet” and a return address from an ICE building in Washington, DC.
The note read, “Deprive innocent people from their freedom and walk all over their human rights is a crime that has to be punished by men laws and divine law, nobody can escape from karma NOTE EVEN YOU.” It also mentioned the powder as “XARHTNA” and threatened the office’s air and family.
Six employees were in the room when the envelopes were found, leading to the evacuation of the building which also houses the US Department of Homeland Security and immigration court.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, but 39 detainees on the floor above were relocated to New Jersey as a precaution.
The incident comes amid criticism of ICE for its role in implementing the White House crackdown on illegal and criminal migrants.
After initial tests, the building was reopened as there were no hazardous materials or biological toxins found. The substance was identified as boric acid, which can cause skin irritation, breathing difficulties, and vomiting if ingested.
The envelopes were sent to the FBI’s lab for further analysis as the agency launched its investigation into the incident.
An ICE representative expressed gratitude to the emergency responders for their swift action and stated that the agency will not be deterred from its mission by such acts of terrorism.
