Stolen Ambulance Rammed into Idaho ICE Office, Suspect Flees

Police search for suspect who stole ambulance, doused it in gasoline, and crashed it into DHS office building

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A suspect stole an ambulance from a hospital in Meridian, Idaho, doused it in gasoline, and then rammed it into a building that houses U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices. The suspect fled the scene before the vehicle could be ignited, narrowly avoiding a potentially catastrophic incident. Police are searching for the suspect, who was described as wearing a black shirt, tan pants, and a surgical mask.

Why it matters

The attack on the ICE office facility raises concerns about the potential for violence and property damage targeting government agencies, particularly in the context of ongoing political rhetoric and social media posts that may have influenced the suspect's actions. The theft of an emergency vehicle also temporarily removed a critical medical resource from the community, posing risks to public safety.

The details

According to police, the suspect stole the ambulance from St. Luke's Hospital in Meridian around 11:10 pm on Wednesday night. The suspect had hidden gas canisters in nearby vegetation, which were used to douse the inside and outside of the stolen ambulance. The suspect then drove the vehicle into the North Portico Building, which houses Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offices, including those of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), shortly after midnight. The suspect fled the scene before the accelerant could be ignited, narrowly avoiding a potentially devastating fire.

  • The ambulance was stolen from St. Luke's Hospital around 11:10 pm on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.
  • The suspect drove the stolen ambulance into the North Portico Building shortly after midnight on Thursday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Meridian Police Department

The local law enforcement agency leading the investigation into the incident, with assistance from federal agencies.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that had offices located in the North Portico Building that was targeted in the attack.

Tracy Basterrechea

The Meridian Police Chief who held a press conference to provide updates on the case.

The Idaho 97 Project

A group that had posted a list of ICE facilities in Idaho to be targeted for protest, which included the Meridian facility.

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What they’re saying

“The theft and destruction of an emergency vehicle not only created risk to responding personnel, but it also temporarily removed a critical medical resource from the community.”

— Tracy Basterrechea, Meridian Police Chief (Breitbart)

“There has been a lot of rhetoric about the Department of Homeland Security leasing office space at this location, and comments in some social media such as 'property damage isn't violence,' is false. This was absolutely an act of violence. 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.”

— Tracy Basterrechea, Meridian Police Chief (Breitbart)

What’s next

Investigators are continuing to search for the suspect, who fled the scene on foot. The Meridian Police Department is leading the investigation with assistance from the FBI, DHS, Idaho State Police, and other regional law enforcement entities.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing concerns about the potential for violence and property damage targeting government agencies, particularly in the context of ongoing political rhetoric and social media posts that may be influencing such actions. The theft of an emergency vehicle also underscores the risks posed to public safety when critical resources are compromised.