Federal authorities have arrested a 33-year-old California man accused of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State group as national security officials warn of increased threats from possible terrorist sleeper cells operating in the United States.

Ammaad Akhtar was taken into custody Monday and charged in federal court with attempting to aid a designated foreign terrorist organization. Akhtar began communicating online in February with a person he believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State group but who was actually an undercover law enforcement officer, according to court documents.

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Over several months, Akhtar allegedly expressed strong support for the Islamic State group and violent jihad, including aspirations to travel overseas to join it. He also discussed plans to send firearms and cash to support the organization’s activities. Federal prosecutors say he followed through, transferring money multiple times. In one exchange, the undercover agent told Akhtar that the Islamic State group acquired weapons with the funds he sent. Akhtar allegedly responded, “May Allah destroy our enemies,” and vowed to continue his financial support.

In addition to the financial contributions, Akhtar reportedly discussed plans to carry out violent acts within the U.S. He requested guidance on constructing an improvised explosive device, stating his desire “to make a boom” at a crowded location and expressing willingness to die for his cause.

On Monday, Akhtar met in person with an undercover agent posing as an Islamic State group operative. During the meeting, he provided two loaded firearms, six additional magazines, $400 in cash, binoculars, and clothing. Authorities say Akhtar also pledged allegiance to the organization during this encounter.

If convicted, Akhtar faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Akhtar’s arrest comes amid growing concerns voiced by federal officials regarding the presence of foreign terrorist operatives in the U.S.

Tom Homan, President Donald Trump’s “border czar,” recently warned about the risks posed by so-called special interest aliens crossing the southern border undetected. On Sunday, he revealed on Fox News that 1,272 Iranian nationals were released into the country during the Biden administration.

“My biggest concern, from Day One, beyond the fentanyl, beyond the sex trafficking of women and children, were the 2 million known gotaways,” Homan said, referencing gaps in border security enforcement.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed similar concerns during congressional testimony on Monday. Bondi also shared that over 1,000 Iranian nationals have entered the country illegally in recent years and said law enforcement agencies are actively investigating them for possible ties to foreign militant groups.

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“We are treating these threats with the utmost urgency,” Bondi told lawmakers. “While I cannot disclose classified information regarding specific sleeper cells, I can confirm the Department of Justice remains on high alert.”

The Justice Department’s counterterrorism efforts have intensified following a weekend of escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, sparked by U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran retaliated with missile launches early Monday, heightening fears of foreign-directed or inspired attacks on U.S. soil.