# @downinnadesert on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DYnk3-0m3vr
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/65794102-downinnadesert-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/e0e7868757.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-05-21T23:00:00.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Down In The Desert🌵 (@downinnadesert) — https://gondola.cc/downinnadesert

## Caption

Federal prosecutors say a 19-year-old Avondale man is facing serious charges after allegedly trying to set fire to a Department of Homeland Security building in Surprise earlier this year.

According to court documents, surveillance footage showed Gabriel Mendoza-Acoltzi pulling into the parking lot around midnight on February 21 before allegedly placing a propane tank near the building.

Investigators say he later used the tank to break a lobby window before allegedly trying to ignite materials inside the building using a torch connected to the propane tank.

Officials also say anti-ICE messages were left outside the property using landscaping rocks.

Federal investigators say Mendoza-Acoltzi later admitted he carried out the incident as a form of protest and told investigators he wanted to stop DHS from “hurting his people.”

Court records also state he allegedly told investigators he decided one night to “go be Batman.”

Federal officials say the building has already required tens of thousands of dollars in repairs, with total damage estimates reportedly exceeding $400,000.

Mendoza-Acoltzi is now facing multiple federal charges and could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Via U.S. Attorneys Office District of Arizona & federal court records

#arizona #surpriseaz #phoenixaz #ice #downinnadesert

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 2,339
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- **Comments:** 425

## Tags

ice, surpriseaz, downinnadesert, phoenixaz, arizona

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