FBI Probes Report Of Incendiary Device Thrown At ICE Building In Atlanta

The FBI is investigating reports that an incendiary device was thrown at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, on Tuesday night, October 20. Authorities reported no injuries or significant damage, and said there was no known threat to public safety as the investigation continued.

According to the FBI, the incident was reported at approximately 9:30 pm local time at the federal building, which houses both ICE offices and an immigration court. Federal investigators and evidence response technicians were at the scene collecting evidence, the agency said in a statement.

“The investigation is ongoing, and no further details are currently available,” the FBI's Atlanta public affairs department said, adding that there was no known threat to public safety.

The Atlanta Police Department confirmed it was responding to a report of a possible object being thrown at the building at 180 Ted Turner Drive SW. Police said the investigation remained active, with no active fire or injuries reported.

Video footage shared online showed law enforcement officers outside the building, with crime scene tape surrounding the area as authorities examined the scene.

The FBI has not publicly disclosed the nature of the reported device, whether it ignited, the extent of any damage beyond the initial assessment, or whether a suspect has been identified. Authorities have also not announced any arrests or provided details about a possible motive.

ICE had not immediately responded to requests for comment on Tuesday night, while Atlanta police directed inquiries to federal authorities.

The building's dual role as an ICE facility and an immigration court makes it a site for both immigration enforcement operations and immigration-related legal proceedings. However, investigators have not established whether the reported incident was specifically intended to target either function.

The investigation remains ongoing, and federal authorities have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the reported incident.