Antifa Cell Members Found Guilty in Violent Texas ICE Facility Assault
A federal jury has delivered guilty verdicts against nine individuals associated with an Antifa cell for their roles in a coordinated and violent attack on a Texas Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility. The incident, which occurred on July 4, 2025, involved armed assailants launching fireworks and gunfire, resulting in a police officer being shot in the neck.
Details of the Attack and Convictions
The group, led by Benjamin Song, swarmed the Prairieland detention centre armed with rifles before initiating the assault. According to the Department of Justice, Song was convicted of attempted murder for shooting Alvarado Police Lieutenant Thomas Gross, who sustained wounds to his shoulder and neck. Lieutenant Gross testified that he saw a person dressed in black, with their face covered, carrying a rifle during the attack.
All defendants, except Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada, were found guilty of providing material support to terrorists, rioting, conspiring to use and carry explosives, and using explosives during a riot. Sanchez-Estrada, who was not present at the attack, was convicted of corruptly concealing a document and conspiracy to conceal documents, as was co-defendant Maricela Rueda.
Prosecution and Defense Arguments
Prosecutors argued that Song, a former US Marine Corps reservist, yelled 'get to the rifles' and opened fire on law enforcement. Evidence presented showed the group had acquired more than 50 firearms in the Fort Worth/Dallas area prior to the attack. In contrast, defense attorneys claimed most protesters began leaving when guards emerged, and Song's attorney, Phillip Hayes, suggested Lieutenant Gross had 'aggressively' brandished a gun, prompting the defendants' response.
North Texas attorney Ryan Raybould stated in a DOJ release, 'These guilty verdicts and convictions rightly reflect the vicious, armed attack that these Antifa cell members planned and executed against law enforcement and detention centre officers.' He emphasised that their actions were far from peaceful protest or First Amendment expression.
Official Responses and Sentencing
FBI director Kash Patel commented, 'Today's verdict shows the FBI remains committed to identifying, locating and dismantling Antifa and its funding networks across the country.' Homeland Security Investigations Dallas Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard described the case as a historic moment, marking the nation's initial federal indictment targeting a coordinated Antifa cell for violent criminal activity.
Sentencing penalties vary among the defendants:
- Benjamin Song faces a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of life in prison.
- Cameron Arnold, Zachary Evetts, Bradford Morris, Maricela Rueda, Savanna Batten, Elizabeth Soto, and Ines Soto each face a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 60 years.
- Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada faces up to 40 years in prison.
The convictions underscore ongoing efforts to combat domestic terrorism, with officials vowing to continue dismantling extremist networks and protecting communities from organised threats.
