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Federal agents declared on Monday that they had managed to foil a detailed plan to explode bombs at multiple facilities operated by two corporate businesses on New Year's Eve in the southern part of the state. The move followed the apprehension of individuals linked to an militant group espousing anti-corporate and anti-government ideologies.

Those Arrested Apprehended During Desert Dry Run

The four suspects were detained last Friday in the remote area situated east of Los Angeles as they were reportedly running through their planned operation. Prosecutors showed aerial reconnaissance images to reporters, which captured the group carrying a large obscure item to a surface. Authorities noted that the arrests were made before the individuals could construct a working explosive device.

Names of the Suspects Made Public

According to the filed court documents, the four individuals identified are a 30-year-old named Audrey Illeene Carroll; Zachary Aaron Page, 32 years old; 24-year-old Dante Gaffield; and Tina Lai, who is 41. Each of them are understood to be from the greater Los Angeles vicinity.

Suspected Driving Force and Ties

Although officials did not clearly describe a rationale, they stated the individuals are part of a splinter group dubbed the Turtle Island Liberation Front. The group allegedly calls for "laborers to rebel and resist against capitalism," according to the legal filing.

They face include conspiracy and having a explosive. The government indicated that further counts are anticipated in the weeks ahead.

Particulars of the Alleged "Midnight Sun Operation"

Authorities stated that one of the individuals had created a detailed scheme last month to attack five or more commercial sites across Southern California on New Year's Eve. The locations were described as "similar to Amazon" logistical centers.

"The bomb plot was explicit," an official said. "It included step-by-step instructions to make bombs … and named multiple objectives across Orange County and Los Angeles."

Based on the case and the complaint, the scheme called for positioning bags packed with sophisticated pipe bombs that were scheduled to be set off at the same time at midnight on New Year's Eve at 5 sites. New Year's Eve was chosen as an opportune time because the plan indicated "celebratory explosions will be going off at this time so blast noises will be harder to be noticed."

The eight-page longhand plan, named "OPERATION MIDNIGHT SUN," stated that further targets could be added. The facilities were categorized as assets and operations owned by two distinct companies involved in operations affecting national and international trade.

Future Plans and Materials Found

The criminal complaint also indicated that two people in the faction had planned future strikes aimed at ICE agents personnel and transport with explosives in 2026. One accused reportedly commented that such attacks "would kill some and scare the rest of them."

These plans were allegedly talked over both at an face-to-face meeting in Los Angeles and through an encrypted messaging app.

Pictures included in the court documents reveal a desert campsite with what authorities described as bomb-making materials scattered on plastic folding tables.

The complaint details that the individuals "each brought bomb-making components to the campsite, including various sizes of tubes, identified as potassium nitrate, fuel, powdered charcoal, powdered sulfur, and items to be used as fuses, among others."

Instructions also contained directions on how to build the devices and how to avoid leaving evidence that could be connected back to the faction. The accused had recently purchased precursor chemicals and other items, via buys from e-commerce sites.

Operation and Aftermath

The FBI took action last week as the individuals were rehearsing the attack in the isolated region near Twentynine Palms. "They possessed every item they were necessary to construct an working explosive device at that place," the attorney stated.

In the course of executed raids, authorities reportedly discovered flyers for the Turtle Island Liberation Front at one suspect's home that demanded "America Must Fall", and "Death to ICE". At another suspect's residence, police found a copy of the elaborate bomb plan.

Those arrested were detained peacefully. They were due to face a judge in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon.