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Federal agents stated on Monday that they had managed to foil a comprehensive scheme to explode IEDs at numerous locations run by two American firms on New Year's Eve in Southern California. The operation came after the apprehension of individuals linked to an militant group espousing anti-system and anti-authority views.

Suspects Taken Into Custody During Remote Rehearsal

Four people were arrested last Friday in the remote area located east of Los Angeles as they were allegedly rehearsing their planned strike. Officials showed from above monitoring footage to the media, that captured the group moving a big dark device to a workspace. Officials noted that the apprehensions occurred prior to the individuals could put together a fully functional explosive device.

Names of the Suspects Disclosed

Based on the public court documents, the four individuals identified are Carroll, aged 30; Page, 32; 24-year-old Dante Gaffield; and Tina Lai, who is 41. Each of them are said to be from the greater Los Angeles region.

Alleged Driving Force and Ties

Even though prosecutors did not directly describe a reason, they said the individuals are part of a splinter group called the Turtle Island Liberation Front. The group reportedly urges "workers to revolt and fight back against the capitalist system," as per the court papers.

Each suspect is charged with involve plotting and possession of a explosive. Officials stated that additional charges are anticipated in the weeks ahead.

Particulars of the Reported "The Midnight Sun Plan"

Authorities stated that one of the individuals had drafted a step-by-step scheme last month to attack multiple corporate facilities across Southern California on New Year's Eve. The targets were likened to "like Amazon" logistical centers.

"The bomb plot was specific," a prosecutor stated. "It contained a precise guide to make bombs … and identified multiple sites across Orange County and Los Angeles."

As per the case and the complaint, the plot called for planting backpacks filled with intricate pipe bombs that were scheduled to be exploded all at once at midnight on New Year's Eve at five sites. New Year's Eve was identified as an perfect time since the document noted "pyrotechnics will be going off at this time so explosions will be less likely to be heard."

The eight-page longhand document, called "OPERATION MIDNIGHT SUN," noted that more sites could be added. The facilities were categorized as premises and operations owned by two distinct companies involved in activities related to interstate and foreign commerce.

Additional Plans and Materials Seized

Court documents also stated that two people in the group had talked about subsequent strikes aimed at immigration enforcement agents and vehicles with pipe bombs in 2026. One suspect allegedly commented that such actions "would eliminate some and scare the rest of them."

These plans were reportedly planned both at an in-person assembly in Los Angeles and through an private digital platform.

Pictures contained in the court documents reveal a desert campsite with what authorities described as IED-construction materials strewn across makeshift work surfaces.

Official documents states that the suspects "each brought explosive materials to the campsite, including assorted sizes of plastic pipes, suspected potassium nitrate, charcoal, powdered charcoal, powdered sulfur, and items to be used as igniters, among others."

The plan also included steps on how to manufacture the explosives and how to prevent leaving forensic clues that could be connected back to the faction. The individuals had in the recent past purchased precursor chemicals and other items, via purchases from online retailers.

Arrest and Aftermath

The FBI moved in last week when the individuals were running through the strike in the remote area near a desert community. "They had every item they required to build an working explosive device at that location," the attorney said.

During served searches, authorities allegedly discovered flyers for the Turtle Island Liberation Front at one accused's residence that advocated "Death to America", and "ICE Must Go". At another individual's residence, police located a duplicate of the comprehensive attack blueprint.

Those arrested were arrested without incident. They were due to appear in court in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon.