Federal jury delivers major convictions against Antifa cell for armed attack on Texas ICE facility, marking first-ever domestic terrorism charges against the radical group under President Trump’s decisive leadership.
Details of the Violent Attack
On July 4, 2025, nine members of a North Texas Antifa cell launched a premeditated ambush at the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas. Attackers fired firearms at officers, detonated fireworks as improvised explosives, and employed riot tactics that damaged property. Alvarado Police Lieutenant Thomas Gross suffered a gunshot wound to the neck but survived. Prosecutors presented evidence of body armor, operational security measures, and anti-government materials, framing the incident as terrorism rather than protest. This assault targeted a key immigration enforcement facility amid national deportation efforts.
Trial Proceedings and Jury Verdicts
The trial unfolded in U.S. District Court in Fort Worth before Judge Mark Pittman starting early 2026. Prosecutors, led by U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould and Shawn Smith, alleged Benjamin Song orchestrated the cell’s actions. After 15 hours of deliberation, the jury convicted eight defendants on March 13, 2026, around 2:30 p.m. Charges included providing material support to terrorists under 18 U.S.C. § 2339A/B, rioting, conspiracy to use explosives, and obstruction. Song faced additional attempted murder conviction. Seven others—Seth Sikes, Nathan Baumann, Joy Gibson, Susan Kent, Rebecca Morgan, Lynette Sharp, and John Thomas—had pleaded guilty pre-trial to material support charges. This represents the first federal domestic terrorism convictions against Antifa affiliates.
8 anti-ICE protesters in Texas face decades in prison after being found guilty of providing “material support for terrorism” (MST) on the basis that they were part of an “antifa” cell.
￭ Trump designated “antifa” as a “domestic terrorist” organization in September, even though… pic.twitter.com/xor43hKZEG
— VPol (@VocalPolitics1) March 17, 2026
Trump Administration’s Role in Enabling Justice
President Trump’s fall 2025 executive order designated Antifa as a domestic terrorist entity, bypassing First Amendment hurdles for formal listings and enabling rare use of material support laws without a designated terror group. The administration prioritized dismantling Antifa through DOJ and FBI actions, building on Texas’s 2023 state anti-terrorism law. Post-2024 election, heightened immigration enforcement spurred anti-ICE activism, culminating in this Independence Day attack that prosecutors called anti-American. AG Pamela Bondi stated the Trump administration systematically dismantles Antifa. FBI Director Kash Patel committed to eradicating such networks. U.S. Attorney Raybould described the event as a vicious armed attack far from peaceful protest.
Stakeholders and Defense Response
Key defendants included Zachary Evetts, Autumn Hill, Meagan Morris, Maricela Rueda, and Daniel Rolando Sanchez Estrada, convicted on lesser charges; Estrada faced obstruction. Defense attorneys like Lisa Pamplin, Warren St. John, and Christopher Weinbel argued self-defense, First Amendment protections, and overreach, claiming fireworks on July 4 do not constitute terrorism and firearms were protective. They decried the verdict as justice betrayal and un-American. Victims included Lt. Gross and ICE personnel. DOJ and FBI dominated proceedings under Trump-era shifts, with the jury siding against defense claims of politicization. No formal Antifa structure proven, but cell coordination alleged via seized materials.
Prosecutors Applied Rarely Used Domestic Terrorism Law to Convict Texas Antifa Members
The landmark case differentiates political activism from criminal activity and lays the groundwork for further prosecution, legal experts say. pic.twitter.com/qUCAYp2rG6— Irina (@AmandaWalt51858) March 17, 2026
Implications for Law Enforcement and National Security
Short-term, convictions deter Antifa violence with potential sentences of 20 years to life for Song and 10-60 years for others; sentencing pending before Judge Pittman, with appeals likely. Long-term, the case sets precedent for federal terror charges against domestic militants, expanding material support laws to left-wing groups and mirroring applications to right-wing actors. ICE facilities nationwide heighten security amid deportation surges. Politically, verdicts bolster Trump administration credibility on crime and border protection, countering past tolerance of radical activism. Socially, it polarizes views on protest versus terrorism while validating law enforcement responses.
Sources:
Mixed verdict reached in North Texas ICE center Antifa terror attack trial (FOX 4 News)
Antifa cell members convicted Prairieland ICE Detention Center shooting (DOJ OPA)
Trump admin Texas Antifa state law (Talking Points Memo)