Woman ARRESTED – DHS Building Targeted In Fiery Plot!

U.S. Department of Homeland Security emblem on wall.

A 43-year-old mother from Boise turned a stolen ambulance into a weapon against a DHS office, but swift police action foiled the fiery plot just days ago.

Story Snapshot

Sarah Elizabeth George arrested February 24, 2026, after ramming ambulance into Portico North building housing DHS offices in Meridian, Idaho.
Pre-staged gasoline cans revealed premeditated arson attempt; no fire ignited, no injuries reported.
Federal agencies FBI and ATF joined Meridian Police in five-day manhunt ending in her Boise home arrest.
Incident amid surging threats to ICE officers—8,000% rise in death threats—tied to immigration enforcement expansion.
Faces mandatory 5-20 year prison term for attempted destruction of federal property by fire.

Precise Attack Sequence Unfolds in Minutes

At 11:10 p.m. on February 18, 2026, Sarah Elizabeth George stole an ambulance from St. Luke’s Meridian Medical Center parking lot. She grabbed pre-staged gasoline cans hidden in nearby bushes. George drove the vehicle at 25 mph directly into the Portico North office building at 3330 E. Louise Drive. She poured accelerant inside and around the ambulance. Officers arrived as she fled on foot. No flames erupted due to their rapid response.

Multi-Agency Manhunt Secures Arrest

Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea labeled the attack an absolute act of violence during a February 19 news conference. FBI, ATF, and Idaho State Police launched a manhunt. Investigators canvassed doors, reviewed surveillance footage, interviewed witnesses, and analyzed technology over five days. On February 24, 2026, they arrested George at her Boise residence. Federal charges followed immediately for attempted arson on government property.

DHS Facility Draws Fire in Immigration Storm

Portico North, owned by St. Luke’s Health System, houses DHS administrative offices—not ICE detention or officer stations. St. Luke’s spokesperson Christine Myron clarified this distinction. The building shares tenants like SelectHealth and Quest Diagnostics in Boise’s suburb. Attack timing coincides with national immigration debates. DHS reports ICE faces coordinated violence: 8,000% death threat surge, 1,300% assault increase since workforce doubled to 12,000 under new policies.

Federal Charges Carry Heavy Consequences

George confronts statutes punishing attempts to destroy federal property by fire. Law mandates five-year minimum prison, up to 20 years maximum, plus fines. These apply to government-leased spaces like Portico North. Motive remains undisclosed by authorities. Case stays active with federal prosecution leading. Common sense demands swift justice; premeditation via gas cans aligns facts with domestic terrorism classification, protecting law enforcement vital to border security.

Immediate Fallout Ripples Through Meridian

Building suffered structural damage; roads reopened by Thursday morning. St. Luke’s confirmed no patient care disruption despite ambulance theft. Canyon County Paramedics recovered their asset. Residents voice safety worries amid federal presence. DHS eyes nationwide security upgrades for offices. Incident echoes Arizona warehouse arson targeting ICE expansion plans post-protests.