In a significant development from the United States District Court for the Central District of California, four people have been federally indicted in relation to a thwarted terrorist bombing plot intended for New Year’s Eve in Southern California.

The court documents reveal that the suspects were not only planning to attack various businesses but also had designs on targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the aftermath of the holiday season.

Prosecutors have linked the accused to the anti-government extremist group known as the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF). This organization is characterized by its radical ideology that glorifies terrorism, with a clear intent to inflict “as much damage as possible,” according to authorities.

The individuals implicated in this alleged conspiracy, dubbed “Operation Midnight Sun,” include Audrey Illeene Carroll, Zachary Aaron Page, Dante James Anthony-Gaffield, and Tina Lai. They face serious charges, ranging from conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction and offering support to terrorist activities, to the possession of unregistered firearms.

At a recent press briefing held on December 15, 2025, in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, alongside LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, provided updates on this ongoing terrorism investigation, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the extensive measures being taken to ensure public safety. (Photo Credit: Damian Dovarganes/AP)

Court documents said the four individuals were planning on detonating pipe bombs targeting at least five locations, including technology and logistics businesses, across Southern California. 

Throughout early December 2025, the defendants allegedly took steps to procure bomb-making materials and used encrypted messaging platforms to coordinate the construction and testing of explosive devices. 

Images of suspects in an alleged terror plot are presented on a screen during a Los Angeles press conference on Dec. 15, 2025. (Damian Dovarganes/AP)

Authorities reported that Carroll, through encrypted messaging, made alarming statements including “I identify as a terrorist,” “I am a Hamas fangirl” and had goals of “completely pulverizing” buildings. She allegedly denounced peaceful protests while discussing fantasies of ambushing law enforcement agents.

The terror plot was reportedly foiled on Dec. 12, when the defendants traveled to the Mojave Desert to conduct live weapons testing but were abruptly intercepted by members of the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team.

Officials said that despite the defendants’ efforts to avoid detection — such as wrapping phones in tinfoil to create “makeshift Faraday bags” and using apps that automatically delete encrypted messages — law enforcement was able to intercept their plans with the help of informants and undercover agents.

Authorities stated that defendant Carroll had unknowingly shared the group’s bombing plans with law enforcement assets. Through this, the FBI reportedly obtained copies of handwritten bombing plans, lists of required bomb-making materials, and information about the group’s extremist messaging network.

Defendants Carroll and Page also allegedly discussed plans they intended to carry out after the New Year’s Eve bombings, including targeting ICE agents and vehicles in order to intimidate and harm law enforcement, according to court documents.

All four defendants are expected to make their initial appearances in federal court in the Central District of California.