A federal jury just delivered justice in America’s first Antifa domestic terrorism prosecution, convicting nine militants who orchestrated a coordinated Independence Day armed attack on a Texas ICE facility that left a police officer fighting for his life.
Story Snapshot
- Federal jury convicted nine members of alleged “North Texas Antifa Cell” on terrorism-related charges for July 4, 2025 armed assault on Prairieland ICE Detention Center
- Benjamin Song found guilty of attempted murder for shooting Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross in the neck during coordinated attack involving over 50 firearms and explosives
- Prosecutors revealed extensive encrypted planning, black bloc tactics, and anti-ICE propaganda flyers declaring “class war” against immigration enforcement
- Case marks unprecedented federal conviction for Antifa-linked domestic terrorism, setting legal precedent under Trump administration’s crackdown on left-wing militant violence
Coordinated Attack on Immigration Enforcement Facility
On the night of July 4, 2025, at least eleven individuals dressed in black bloc attire descended upon the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas. The attackers launched fireworks at the facility housing immigration detainees, vandalized property with anti-ICE graffiti, and engaged responding law enforcement with gunfire. Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross responded to the 911 call and was shot in the neck by Benjamin Song, who prosecutors identified as the group’s leader. The attack was no spontaneous protest—evidence revealed the cell had acquired over fifty firearms in the Fort Worth and Dallas area while coordinating through encrypted messaging apps using aliases.
Overwhelming Evidence of Premeditated Terrorism
Federal investigators recovered damning evidence that exposed the calculated nature of the assault. Seized materials included AR-15-style rifles, body armor, encrypted radios, spray paint, masks, and propaganda flyers emblazoned with the slogan “Fight ICE terror with class war.” Encrypted communications documented reconnaissance missions, discussions about firearms procurement, medical kits, and explosive fireworks. The attackers’ black bloc uniforms—designed to conceal individual identities during illegal actions—combined with coordinated timing and military-style equipment demonstrated this was far removed from constitutionally protected protest. This evidence proved critical in distinguishing legitimate First Amendment activity from premeditated violence against law enforcement and federal facilities.
Historic Convictions Send Clear Message
After fifteen hours of deliberation on March 13, 2026, the Fort Worth jury delivered mixed but decisive verdicts. Benjamin Song was convicted of attempted murder and firearm discharge during a violent crime. Eight co-defendants—Maricela Rueda, Zachary Evetts, Autumn Hill, Meagan Morris, Savanna Batten, Ines Soto, and Elizabeth Soto—were found guilty of rioting, providing material support to terrorists, and explosives-related conspiracy charges. Daniel Estrada received convictions for concealing documents related to the attack. U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould emphasized the distinction prosecutors successfully made: “This was not a protest. This was a vicious armed attack on law enforcement officers.” The convictions represent the first federal indictment and successful prosecution tying Antifa to domestic terrorism charges.
Trump Administration Dismantles Radical Networks
Attorney General Pamela Bondi hailed the verdicts as validation of the Trump administration’s commitment to dismantling Antifa’s violent infrastructure. FBI Director Kash Patel reinforced the government’s determination to disrupt these radical networks that threaten American communities and law enforcement. The whole-of-government approach involved the FBI Dallas Field Office, Joint Terrorism Task Force, and Department of Justice coordinating to hold sixteen individuals accountable—seven additional defendants pleaded guilty before trial. This prosecutorial success arrives as President Trump’s immigration enforcement policies face coordinated opposition from left-wing activists. The timing and target of the attack—a detention facility on Independence Day—underscore how radical elements weaponize anti-American sentiment against constitutional immigration enforcement.
Defense attorneys attempted to portray the incident as government overreach, claiming fireworks on July 4th constituted festive celebration rather than explosives, and denying any formal Antifa organization existed. Attorney Lisa Pamplin expressed shock at terrorism charges, while supporters of defendant Autumn Hill called the prosecution “un-American.” These arguments rang hollow against the mountain of physical evidence, encrypted planning communications, and the undeniable fact that Lt. Gross nearly lost his life. The officer survived his wounds and returned to duty—a testament to law enforcement resilience in facing domestic extremist threats. Sentencing remains pending, but these convictions establish crucial legal precedent for confronting violent left-wing militancy that masquerades as activism while targeting those sworn to protect our borders and enforce our immigration laws.
Sources:
North Texas ICE center Antifa terror attack trial verdict – Fox 4 News
2025 Alvarado ICE facility incident – Wikipedia
Prairieland detention center shooting trial – KERA News



