Authorities in Meridian, Idaho, have released details of what police are calling a serious criminal act after an anti-ICE leftist stole an ambulance, packed it with explosive gasoline, and drove it into a building leased by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The incident began around 11:10 p.m. local time on Wednesday, February 18, when an ambulance belonging to Canyon County Paramedics was stolen from an ambulance bay at St. Luke’s Meridian Medical Center, according to local outlet KBOI.
Police say the suspect retrieved gas cans that had been staged in nearby vegetation before driving the stolen ambulance into the St. Luke’s Portico North building at approximately 12:30 a.m. Thursday.
The building, owned by St. Luke’s Health System, serves as administrative office space and has recently been leased to DHS, the parent agency of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Officials noted that ICE agents are not stationed there, and the location is not used for processing activities.
Attempted Arson Thwarted
After crashing the vehicle, the suspect allegedly poured gasoline or another accelerant inside and around the ambulance and attempted to ignite it.
Authorities say the individual was interrupted by responding law enforcement and first responders before the fire could be started.
The suspect then fled the scene on foot and has not yet been identified.
Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea underscored the severity of the attack.
“We want to emphasize that this was a serious criminal act,” Basterrechea said.
“The theft and destruction of an emergency vehicle not only created a risk to responding personnel, but it also temporarily removed a critical medical resource from the community.”
He also addressed public commentary surrounding DHS leasing space at the location.
“There has been a lot of rhetoric surrounding the Department of Homeland Security leasing office space at this location.”
“Comments on social media, such as ‘property damage isn’t violence,’ are absolutely false,” Basterrechea continued.
“This was absolutely an act of violence, and if the suspect had not been interrupted, there is no doubt this building would have been burned, putting the lives of first responders and others at risk.”
🚨 BREAKING NEWS and Developing Story:
Photos from @CBS2Boise of the Portico North office building in Meridian, ID where someone crashed a stolen ambulance into the lobby and attempted to set the building on fire. A portion of the building reportedly had been leased to DHS,… pic.twitter.com/Uxc1OGIzcs
— Ryan Spoon (@SpoonForIdaho) February 19, 2026
Multi-Agency Investigation Underway
Although the suspect remains at large, officials say there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the broader community.
The Meridian Police Department is leading the investigation in coordination with the FBI, ATF, DHS, Idaho State Police, and other regional partners.
“Any information that we believe would hinder our investigation will not be released at any time,” Basterrechea said.
“We want to make sure that this investigation is as clean as possible and that we bring the people responsible to justice.”
Authorities have not yet released additional identifying information about the suspect as the investigation continues.
READ MORE – Anti-ICE Leftist Melts Down When Arrested: ‘I Want My Mommy!’
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