Federal authorities are investigating an incident at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in downtown Atlanta after an incendiary device was thrown at the facility on Tuesday night. The FBI confirmed in a statement that no injuries or significant damage occurred, and that there is no known threat to public safety at this time. Evidence response teams were on site collecting forensic material, according to the FBI.
The building, which also houses an immigration court, was cordoned off with crime scene tape as law enforcement secured the area. Atlanta police deferred all inquiries to federal authorities, while ICE did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The FBI’s Atlanta field office is leading the investigation.
The incident follows a rise in threats and attacks against ICE facilities and personnel, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In a September 24 statement, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin characterized such attacks as part of a broader pattern, stating: “The brave men and women of ICE, who are simply enforcing the laws mandated by Congress and protecting the American people, are under attack every single day.”
In July, acting DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis attributed increased threats to what she described as smears and hoaxes spread by sanctuary politicians, urging those figures and the media to reduce rhetoric that could incite violence. The DHS did not provide updated figures on threats against ICE in its public statements following the Atlanta incident.
Law enforcement agencies have not identified any suspects or released additional details about the device or potential motives. The FBI has requested public assistance in identifying individuals with information related to the incident.