Matthew R. Molsen United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska | U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska
A man from Grand Island, Nebraska, Eulisis P. Martin, aged 20, has been charged with attempting to damage federal property using explosive materials. The charges were announced by United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods on June 16, 2025. If convicted, Martin faces a penalty of between five and ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a special assessment fee of $100.
The incident in question involved the alleged use of a Molotov cocktail near a federal building that houses Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Grand Island on June 9, 2025. Martin is also suspected of being responsible for spray-painting "Kill ICE" on the building the same day.
On June 14, while aware of previous vandalism at the HSI building, a Grand Island Police officer observed an individual dressed in dark clothing running along the fence of the HSI building. Subsequent investigations revealed government vehicles with slashed tires nearby.
Law enforcement linked Martin to these incidents through surveillance that identified his vehicle near the scene during the times of vandalism and attempted damage with explosives. Items such as a dark brown coat, several gloves, a protest-style sign, and bags resembling tactical gear were seen inside his vehicle. Additionally, open-source information allowed law enforcement to track Martin's cellphone near the HSI building on both June 9 and June 14.
Martin made his initial court appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Jacqueline M. DeLuca in Lincoln on June 18.
Eugene Kowel from the FBI Omaha Field Office stated: “The FBI and our partners will aggressively pursue, identify, and apprehend anyone who maliciously attempts to damage federal property.” He emphasized respect for peaceful First Amendment activities but condemned violence or criminal acts against federal law.
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods asserted: “The United States Attorney’s Office vows that violence...against federal law enforcement officers...will not be tolerated in Nebraska." She stressed that those targeting law enforcement would be held accountable.
This investigation involves multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Federal Protective Service (FPS), Nebraska State Patrol (NSP), and Grand Island Police Department (GIPD).