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Law enforcement officials stated on Monday that they had effectively disrupted a elaborate scheme to explode explosive devices at several facilities operated by two American businesses on New Year's Eve in the southern part of the state. The move resulted from the arrest of suspects associated with an militant group promoting anti-corporate and anti-establishment views.

Individuals Apprehended During Desert Dry Run

The four people were taken into custody last Friday in the remote area found east of Los Angeles as they were according to officials running through their intended operation. Federal attorneys presented aerial reconnaissance video to journalists, that depicted the group transporting a sizeable obscure device to a surface. Officials stressed that the apprehensions occurred prior to the group could assemble a working IED.

Details of the Suspects Made Public

As per the submitted court documents, the four suspects identified are Carroll, aged 30; Zachary Aaron Page, 32; Dante Gaffield, 24; and Lai, 41. The group are reportedly from the greater Los Angeles area.

Suspected Driving Force and Connections

Even though officials did not directly outline a rationale, they indicated the suspects are members of a faction dubbed the Turtle Island Liberation Front. This organization allegedly urges "laborers to rise up and fight back against corporate power," as per the court papers.

Each suspect is charged with involve conspiracy to commit a crime and possession of a explosive. Officials stated that further charges are likely in the next few weeks.

Elements of the Reported "Operation Midnight Sun"

Authorities revealed that one of the suspects had devised a meticulous plan last month to target at least five corporate facilities across Southern California on New Year's Eve. The locations were described as "similar to Amazon" logistical warehouses.

"This scheme was specific," a prosecutor stated. "It contained detailed directions to construct explosive devices … and identified multiple sites across Orange county and Los Angeles."

As per the investigation and the complaint, the plan called for placing rucksacks filled with sophisticated explosive devices that were planned to be detonated simultaneously at midnight on New Year's Eve at five places. New Year's Eve was chosen as an ideal time as the document indicated "celebratory explosions will be going off at this time so explosions will be less likely to be heard."

The eight-page handwritten document, named "OPERATION MIDNIGHT SUN," noted that additional sites could be added. The sites were described as property and operations owned by two different corporations connected with operations involving interstate and foreign commerce.

Long-term Plots and Materials Uncovered

Court documents also indicated that two people in the faction had talked about future strikes targeting ICE agents personnel and cars with explosives in 2026. One individual allegedly commented that such actions "would kill some and frighten the rest of them."

Such discussions were allegedly planned both at an face-to-face assembly in Los Angeles and through an private digital platform.

Images contained in the case file depict a desert campsite with what investigators described as explosives-manufacturing materials laid out on portable tables.

The filing states that the group "carried explosive materials to the site, including various sizes of PVC pipes, suspected a chemical compound, fuel, charcoal powder, sulfur powder, and items to be used as igniters, and more."

The scheme also contained steps on how to construct the devices and how to prevent leaving traces that could be traced back to the individuals. The accused had not long ago obtained chemical ingredients and other materials, via buys from e-commerce sites.

Arrest and Subsequent Actions

The FBI took action last week while the suspects were rehearsing the attack in the desert near Twentynine Palms. "They possessed every item they needed to construct an operational bomb at that place," the prosecutor stated.

As part of carried out raids, officials reportedly located posters for the Turtle Island Liberation Front at one accused's home that called for "Death to America", and "ICE Must Go". At another accused's home, police discovered a version of the elaborate attack blueprint.

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