Federal authorities in the United States have arrested four members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF) over a foiled bomb plot in California, officials confirmed Monday. The suspects allegedly planned attacks targeting immigration agents, logistics companies, and other locations in what authorities described as a “massive and horrific terror plot.”

The arrests were announced by US Attorney General Pam Bondi, who highlighted that the group, identified as far-left, pro-Palestine, anti-government, and anti-capitalist, had intended to carry out bombings across multiple sites in California during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Among the planned targets were Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and vehicles.

The Arrests and Charges

The four suspects—Audrey Illeene Carroll (30), Zachary Aaron Page (32), Dante Gaffield (24), and Tina Lai (41)—all from the Los Angeles area, were taken into custody on Friday while working on the plot in the Mojave Desert, according to First Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli.

Authorities displayed surveillance footage showing the suspects handling a large black object at a desert site. Federal officials emphasized that the group had not yet constructed a functional bomb, preventing what could have been a deadly attack.

The suspects have been charged with conspiracy and possession of an unregistered destructive device, with officials warning that additional charges are expected. Carroll is believed to have drafted a detailed plan targeting at least five locations, including two large logistics and distribution centers similar to Amazon facilities. The plan reportedly included leaving backpacks with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at the sites to detonate simultaneously at midnight, using New Year’s fireworks as cover.

Two members of the group had also discussed using pipe bombs to attack ICE agents and vehicles in early 2026.

Background on the Turtle Island Liberation Front

The Turtle Island Liberation Front describes itself as a political group dedicated to the liberation of all colonized peoples, including Indigenous communities in North America, which some activists refer to as “Turtle Island.” The term originates from Indigenous creation stories, symbolizing North America as formed on the back of a giant turtle, outside colonial boundaries.

While small and with limited social media presence, TILF has been involved in campaigns opposing ICE detentions and deportations, as well as broader anti-colonial advocacy.

Coordinated Federal and Local Response

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell noted that despite differing views on immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, local and federal officials collaborated to prevent potential attacks and protect public safety.

Officials called the arrests a critical success in preventing domestic terrorism and emphasized the importance of ongoing vigilance against small but ideologically motivated extremist groups.

The foiled plot underscores the growing threat posed by radicalised domestic groups with anti-government and anti-colonial agendas, highlighting the need for coordinated law enforcement and community awareness.