Boise Woman Charged for Alleged Anti-ICE Ambulance Attack in Meridian

Federal prosecutors call the incident a 'brazen, dangerous, unprovoked, premeditated attack'.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A 43-year-old Boise woman, Sarah George, has been charged with federal crimes for allegedly stealing an ambulance and crashing it into a Meridian building that housed office space leased by the Department of Homeland Security, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Prosecutors say George purchased gasoline cans and lighter fluid, filled them, stole the ambulance, and tried to set the building on fire, all over her 'perceived grievances' against law enforcement agencies.

Why it matters

The alleged attack highlights growing concerns about politically-motivated violence and the risks posed by individuals with extreme views who are willing to take dangerous actions. It also raises questions about security measures for government offices and the challenges of preventing such incidents.

The details

According to the affidavit, surveillance footage and other evidence show that less than 30 minutes before the ambulance was stolen, someone matching George's description was seen leaving a parked pickup truck and walking toward a hospital, where she then stole the ambulance. Footage from inside the ambulance showed her parking it near the hospital, grabbing gasoline cans and lighter fluid, and then pouring the gasoline around the lobby of the Portico North building, though she was unable to ignite a fire before fleeing.

  • On February 18, 2026 around 11 PM, the ambulance was stolen.
  • Around 9:20 PM on February 18, 2026, surveillance footage showed George purchasing the gasoline cans and lighter fluid at a Walmart.
  • Shortly after leaving Walmart, George stopped at a Fred Meyer and filled up the gasoline cans and her truck.

The players

Sarah George

A 43-year-old woman from Boise, Idaho who has been charged with federal crimes for the alleged ambulance attack.

David Robins

The Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Idaho who argued that George should be held in custody due to the dangerous nature of the alleged attack.

Tracy Basterrechea

The Meridian Police Chief who announced George's arrest and stated that the 'conduct is unacceptable' and 'will be investigated and charged to the fullest extent of the law.'

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which had office space in the building that was targeted in the alleged attack.

St. Luke's Health System

The owner of the Portico North building that housed the DHS/ICE offices and was the target of the alleged attack.

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What they’re saying

“The defendant's devil-may-care attitude towards the extreme public risk can hardly be overstated. She stole an ambulance — a tool by which first responders save lives — and damaged it while trying to destroy it. By attempting to burn the building, she showed no regard for the potential occupants (e.g., night workers, janitors, first responders) and the mortal risks she inflicted.”

— David Robins, Assistant United States Attorney (U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho)

“This conduct is unacceptable, it will be investigated and it will be charged to the fullest extent of the law.”

— Tracy Basterrechea, Meridian Police Chief (Press Conference)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Sarah George to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the growing threat of politically-motivated violence and the need for robust security measures to protect government offices and critical infrastructure. It also highlights the importance of addressing the root causes that can lead individuals to take such dangerous actions.