A federal jury has delivered verdicts in the trial of nine individuals involved in a protest at the Prairieland Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in North Texas last year. Eight defendants were convicted of providing material support to terrorists, among other charges, with one individual also found guilty of attempted murder of a police officer.
The case drew attention for being the first time the federal government applied material support for terrorism charges against individuals alleged to be part of "Antifa" in a domestic context.
The July 4 Incident
On July 4 last year, approximately a dozen demonstrators gathered outside the Prairieland ICE detention facility. During the event, fireworks were set off, cars and a guard booth were spray-painted, and a security camera was destroyed. Federal officers and local police responded.
Shots were subsequently fired, resulting in an Alvarado police officer, Lt. Gross, sustaining a neck injury from a bullet. The officer was released from the hospital the following morning after treatment.
Authorities arrested 19 individuals in connection with the incident. Nine of these individuals proceeded to trial, while seven others had previously pleaded guilty to providing material support to terrorists, facing potential sentences of up to 15 years.
Charges and Legal Framework
The nine defendants faced multiple federal charges, including attempted murder, providing material support to terrorists, rioting, and various firearms and explosives offenses. Prosecutors described the events as a "coordinated attack" and an "antifa attack" on the federal government, alleging a "long-running conspiracy" driven by antifa ideology. They contended that former Marine reservist Benjamin Song led an "antifa cell" and was the gunman who injured the officer.
Defense attorneys characterized the event as a protest that unexpectedly escalated. They argued there was no organized "antifa cell" or coordinated plan to attack the facility, and participants intended a "noise demonstration" to show solidarity with ICE detainees. They also asserted that encrypted messaging, black clothing, and firearms were not inherently criminal, and that firearms were for self-defense.
A central point of contention in the trial was the application of the "material support for terrorism" statute, a law typically used against foreign terrorist groups.
There is no standalone federal crime of "domestic terrorism." The Trump administration had previously designated Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization and sought to prioritize investigations into what it described as a new form of domestic terrorism. Critics argued that Antifa represents a decentralized ideology rather than an organized group, and that applying terrorism charges risked criminalizing protest activities and expanding executive power.
Trial Proceedings
The trial began with jury selection at the federal courthouse in Fort Worth. However, a mistrial was declared by US District Judge Mark Pittman, a Donald Trump appointee, due to concerns about a shirt worn by defense attorney MarQuetta Clayton, which featured images of civil rights movement leaders and protests. Judge Pittman stated the shirt could send a political message and bias jurors. The trial subsequently restarted with a new panel of potential jurors.
During 10 days of testimony, prosecutors presented evidence including surveillance footage, items collected from the scene (such as weapons and tactical gear), phone location data, and political zines found on defendants' phones. Cooperating witnesses who had previously pleaded guilty also testified. Prosecutors argued that equipment brought to the protest, including guns, ballistic vests, and trauma first-aid kits, suggested an anticipation of armed confrontation.
Defense attorneys challenged witness credibility and maintained that the group's intent was peaceful protest. They argued that government witnesses who took plea deals testified they were surprised by the violence, which they claimed undercut the ambush narrative. The defense also raised First Amendment concerns, suggesting the government was punishing protesters for their beliefs.
Verdicts and Sentencing
The jury delivered verdicts for the nine defendants: Benjamin Song, Zachary Evetts, Autumn Hill, Meagan Morris, Maricela Rueda, Savanna Batten, Elizabeth Soto, Ines Soto, and Daniel Sanchez-Estrada.
- Benjamin Song was convicted of one count of attempted murder for shooting a police officer and multiple counts of discharging a firearm during a violent crime. He was acquitted on two other attempted murder counts targeting correctional officers. Song was also found guilty of riot, providing material support to terrorists, and carrying/using explosives. He faces a minimum sentence of 20 years to life in federal prison.
- Autumn Hill, Zachary Evetts, Meagan Morris, Savanna Batten, Elizabeth Soto, and Ines Soto were found guilty of riot, providing material support to terrorists, and carrying/using explosives. Hill, Evetts, Morris, and Rueda were acquitted of attempted murder and firearms charges. These defendants face sentences ranging from 10 to 60 years.
- Maricela Rueda was convicted of riot, providing material support to terrorists, carrying/using explosives, and conspiracy to conceal documents. She was acquitted of attempted murder and firearms charges. Rueda also faces 10 to 60 years.
- Daniel Sanchez-Estrada, who was not present at the protest, was convicted of corruptly concealing a document and conspiracy to conceal documents. He faces up to 40 years.
U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman will set sentencing for all 16 defendants, including those who previously pleaded guilty.
Broader Implications and Reactions
The trial outcomes are considered significant, marking the federal government's first application of the material support for terrorism charge against alleged Antifa members in a domestic context.
Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that "Antifa is a domestic terrorist organization" and 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." Alvarado Police Chief Teddy May affirmed the verdicts, noting the full recovery of Lt. Gross and expressing that the outcome offered closure for the injured officer and his department.
The DFW Support Committee, an organization raising legal defense funds for the defendants, stated they were "heartbroken" by the verdicts and called the trial a "sham built on political persecution." Defense counsel Cody Cofer, representing Autumn Hill, expressed gratitude for some acquittals but indicated plans for appeal based on First Amendment and sufficiency of evidence issues. Critics of the prosecution suggested the outcome could have a chilling effect on future protest activities and could intimidate potential demonstrators.