'Avoid the area': 26 Federal Plaza evacuated, white powder sent to ICE NY field office floor

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 14: Federal agents patrol the halls of immigration court at the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building on August 14, 2025 in New York City. A federal judge ordered the Trump administration and Immigration and Customs Enforcement

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NEW YORK - The building at 26 Federal Plaza was evacuated on Thursday, Aug. 14, after envelopes filled with an unknown white powder were sent to the ninth floor, where the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the New York City field office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are located. 

What we know:

At a press conference later in the day, officials said they were still awaiting test results on the powder, which was reportedly found in four separate envelopes. The letters, sent to 26 Federal Plaza, have been forwarded to FBI headquarters in Quantico, Virginia, for further testing.

In total, two people were exposed to the powder, according to officials. 

"Right now, no threat remains to any employees or the public at this time," Christopher Rhea, the assistant director of the FBI's New York City field office, said at the presser. 

Officials are still asking the public to avoid the area as they continue to investigate. 

What they're saying:

"Expect increased presence and temporary closures. Please avoid the area and follow official channels for verified updates," Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry said in a statement shared on X. 

Earlier in the day, Mayor Eric Adams addressed the situation on X, as well. 

"New Yorkers, I have been preliminarily briefed on the matter unfolding at 26 Federal Plaza where envelopes containing white powder were discovered. I want to also reassure you that there are no known injuries at this time," Adams wrote. "While we await test results from our federal partners, @FDNY Hazmat teams are on the ground to ensure the safety of everyone inside and outside of the building."

Trump's immigration crackdown 

Dig deeper:

Over the past few months, 26 Federal Plaza has been a center for protests amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. The 10th floor serves as a makeshift detention center. 

Just last week, 15 people were arrested at a protest outside the building. They carried banners stating "Free Them All" and signs that said "Rise Up Against Cruelty," among other slogans. Protesters claim that immigrants are being held in disgraceful conditions. 

This week, a federal judge in New York ordered the Trump administration to improve the conditions of the makeshift center after a lawsuit alleged that the facility was unsanitary, and that immigrants lacked food and water. This order came just hours after Department of Justice lawyers admitted that those inside the facility didn't have access to medication and aren't allowed to meet with lawyers in person. 

DHS has maintained that the building is not a detention center and claims that allegations of poor conditions are "categorically false." The department also plans to appeal the order.