Nine Convicted in Texas ICE Facility Attack

A federal jury has convicted nine individuals of various charges related to an attack on the Prairieland Detention Center, an ICE facility near Dallas, Texas. The case centered around a July 4th protest where demonstrators allegedly engaged in violent acts including shooting at law enforcement officers.

The defendants—Benjamin Song, Zachary Evetts, Autumn Hill, Meagan Morris, Maricela Rueda, Savanna Batten, Ines Soto, Elizabeth Soto, and Daniel Sanchez-Estrada—faced a mix of charges ranging from providing material support to terrorists to rioting and attempted murder. Prosecutors alleged that the group was part of an antifa cell and had planned a coordinated ambush on law enforcement.

Benjamin Song, a former U.S. Marine Corps reservist, was convicted of attempted murder for shooting Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross, who survived the incident. The other defendants were found guilty of providing material support to terrorists, rioting, conspiring to use and carry explosives, and using explosives during a riot. Daniel Sanchez-Estrada, who was not present at the protest, was convicted of concealing records and conspiracy to conceal documents.

Defense attorneys argued that the protesters did not intend for any violence to occur and that the government was overreaching in its characterization of the group as terrorists. They also disputed the prosecution's claim that the defendants were part of an antifa cell, stating that the group had organized a peaceful noise demonstration to show support for detained immigrants.

Sentencing is set for June, with Song facing a minimum of 20 years and potentially life in prison. The other defendants face sentences ranging from 10 to 60 years, except Sanchez-Estrada who faces up to 40 years. The case has drawn significant attention as some legal experts and critics view it as a test of the government's ability to prosecute protesters under broad anti-terrorism statutes.

U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman presided over the nearly three-week trial in Fort Worth. FBI Director Kash Patel had said the case was the first time charges of providing material support to terrorists had targeted people accused of being antifa members. U.S. Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi stated that today’s verdict on terrorism charges will not be the last as the Trump administration systematically dismantles Antifa and finally halts their violence on America's streets.