Nine Convicted in North Texas ICE Attack; Patel Warns Against Targeting Federal Officers

Nine defendants associated with a North Texas “Antifa cell” were convicted Friday for their roles in a July 4, 2025, attack on the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas. The federal jury in Fort Worth delivered the verdict after approximately one and a half days of deliberation.

Benjamin Song received the most serious conviction for attempted murder after shooting Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross during the incident. Eight of the nine defendants were found guilty of providing material support to terrorists, rioting, conspiring to use and carry explosives, and using explosives during a riot.

Daniel Estrada, who was not present during the attack, was convicted on lesser charges of concealing records and conspiracy to conceal documents. Defendant Maricela Rueda was also convicted of conspiracy to conceal documents.

FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the bureau’s commitment to combating extremist groups, stating, “The guilty verdicts in today’s case go to show this FBI’s 24/7 commitment to identifying, locating, and dismantling ANTIFA members and their networks.”

The 12-day trial, which began on February 23, 2026, included testimony from over 45 witnesses and the review of more than 210 pieces of evidence. Prosecutors detailed how the attack involved fireworks, property damage to buildings and vehicles, and gunfire directed at law enforcement officers.

The incident occurred at the Prairieland ICE Detention Facility, an immigration detention center in Alvarado, Texas, about 40 miles southwest of Dallas. The prosecution argued that the attack was strategically planned by Song and executed by members of an organized Antifa group operating in North Texas.

Defense attorneys contested the prosecution’s characterization of the event, claiming there was no ambush and that the defendants did not intend for any violence to occur. However, the jury’s verdict largely rejected this defense.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi issued a strong statement following the verdict: “Antifa is a domestic terrorist organization that has been allowed to flourish in Democrat-led cities — not under President Trump. 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.”

The Prairieland facility, operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has been a focal point for immigration policy debates and protests in recent years. The attack occurred amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement policies.

ICE Director Todd Lyons condemned the attack in a statement following the verdict: “The calculated, violent attack at ICE’s Prairieland facility was an abhorrent way for antifa terrorists to ‘protest’ the way this agency enforces the law — but these verdicts make clear that those who choose violence over lawful expression will face the full force of the American justice system.”

The convictions come at a time of increased scrutiny of politically motivated violence and extremist groups in the United States. Federal authorities have intensified efforts to monitor and prosecute individuals involved in violent activities associated with various ideological movements.

The defendants now await sentencing, with Benjamin Song facing the most severe potential penalties for the attempted murder conviction. The case represents one of the most significant prosecutions related to political extremism in recent years and signals a more aggressive approach by federal authorities toward groups labeled as domestic terrorists.