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US authorities declared on Monday that they had effectively disrupted a comprehensive plot to detonate IEDs at multiple facilities run by two US-based companies on New Year's Eve in Southern California. The operation resulted from the apprehension of individuals associated with an extremist group espousing anti-system and anti-government views.

Individuals Taken Into Custody During Remote Rehearsal

Four individuals were arrested last Friday in the desert region situated east of Los Angeles at the time they were according to officials rehearsing their intended operation. Prosecutors showed overhead reconnaissance footage to reporters, which showed the suspects moving a big obscure object to a table. Law enforcement stressed that the arrests took place ahead of the suspects could construct a fully functional explosive device.

Details of the Those Charged Disclosed

As per the filed criminal complaint, the four people named are a 30-year-old named Audrey Illeene Carroll; Page, 32; Gaffield, 24; and Lai, 41. The group are said to be from the LA region.

Alleged Driving Force and Ties

Although officials did not explicitly describe a rationale, they stated the group are adherents of a faction called the Turtle Island Liberation Front. This organization reportedly urges "the working class to rebel and combat against capitalism," based on the court papers.

They face involve conspiracy and having a bomb. Prosecutors noted that more charges are expected in the coming weeks.

Elements of the Alleged "Operation Midnight Sun"

Authorities stated that one of the individuals had created a meticulous scheme last month to attack multiple corporate facilities across Southern California on New Year's Eve. The targets were characterized as "Amazon-type" logistical hubs.

"The plan was detailed," the attorney remarked. "It laid out step-by-step instructions to make bombs … and named several targets across the county of Orange and Los Angeles."

According to the investigation and the complaint, the plan involved positioning rucksacks packed with complex IEDs that were scheduled to be exploded all at once at midnight on New Year's Eve at five places. New Year's Eve was identified as an perfect time because the scheme noted "pyrotechnics will be going off at this time so detonations will be less likely to be noticed."

The handwritten, eight-page handwritten document, named "OPERATION MIDNIGHT SUN," suggested that additional sites could be incorporated. The locations were described as premises and facilities operated by two separate corporations tied to activities involving interstate and foreign commerce.

Future Plots and Materials Uncovered

The criminal complaint also stated that two individuals in the group had discussed subsequent attacks targeting immigration enforcement officers and vehicles with pipe bombs in 2026. One individual allegedly noted that such attacks "would eliminate some and intimidate the rest of them."

These plans were allegedly talked over both at an physical gathering in Los Angeles and through an private digital platform.

Images included in the case file reveal a isolated site with what authorities identified as bomb-making items strewn across plastic folding tables.

The filing details that the group "all brought explosive materials to the campsite, among them assorted sizes of PVC pipes, suspected an oxidizer, charcoal, charcoal powder, sulfur powder, and components to be used as igniters, along with other items."

Instructions also included guidance on how to manufacture the devices and how to prevent leaving evidence that could be linked back to the group. The individuals had not long ago purchased components and other materials, via purchases from major websites.

Arrest and Subsequent Actions

The FBI took action last week while the group were practicing the attack in the desert near a desert community. "They owned every item they were necessary to construct an operational explosive device at that place," the prosecutor stated.

As part of executed searches, authorities allegedly located posters for the Turtle Island Liberation Front at one suspect's dwelling that called for "Down with America", and "Death to ICE". At another individual's apartment, police located a copy of the detailed explosives scheme.

Those arrested were detained peacefully. They were set to make a court appearance in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon.