A federal judge in Texas has sentenced eight individuals to lengthy prison terms for their involvement in a July 4 protest at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, an immigration detention facility. The sentences, which range from 30 to 100 years, were handed down after the defendants were convicted on charges including providing material support to terrorists, rioting, and use of explosives. The incident left one police officer wounded.
The Incident
Protest and Escalation
On July 4, 2025, a group of approximately a dozen individuals gathered outside the Prairieland Detention Center near Dallas, Texas. The group intended to conduct a "noise demonstration" using fireworks and bullhorns to show solidarity with detainees inside the facility, according to defense attorneys. Witnesses reported that protestors set off fireworks, spray-painted vehicles and a guard shack, and slashed tires on a government vehicle.
According to court testimony, two or three protesters separated from the main group and vandalized vehicles and equipment. When two ICE guards and a local police officer responded to the scene, the officer drew his weapon. A protester then fired an AR-15 rifle, striking Alvarado Police Lieutenant Thomas Gross in the shoulder and neck. Gross was hospitalized and released the following day; he has since fully recovered.
Legal Charges
Nine defendants were initially charged in connection with the incident. The charges included:
- Providing material support to terrorists
- Rioting
- Attempted murder of a federal officer
- Use of explosives and firearms
- Conspiracy to conceal documents
Prosecutors described the group as a "North Texas antifa cell" and alleged the protest was a coordinated ambush designed to lure law enforcement into an attack. They presented evidence including surveillance footage, weapons and tactical gear seized from defendants' homes, phone location data, and testimony from cooperating witnesses who had pleaded guilty.
Defense attorneys argued that the protest was a peaceful demonstration that escalated unexpectedly. They stated that the firearms legally purchased were for self-defense and that the group's use of encrypted messaging apps and dark clothing was not inherently criminal. Defense attorneys also argued that the charges criminalized free speech and association protected by the First Amendment.
The Role of "Antifa" in the Case
Prosecutors focused on the defendants' alleged affiliation with antifa, a decentralized, left-leaning movement. The Trump administration had previously designated antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. However, the federal anti-terrorism statute used in the case does not require proving a link to a specific organization; it requires proving that a defendant provided material support for specific federal crimes, such as damaging government property and attempted murder.
During jury instructions, U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman questioned the relevance of antifa, asking, "Whether it's antifa or the Methodist Women's Auxiliary of Weatherford, why does it matter?" A prosecutor stated during closing arguments that defendants were on trial for their actions and tactics, not for their political beliefs.
The Trial and Verdicts
Trial Proceedings
The trial took place in federal court in Fort Worth, Texas, before U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman. The proceedings lasted approximately three weeks and included 10 days of testimony. Witnesses included the wounded police officer, detention center guards, and four cooperating defendants who had pleaded guilty.
During jury selection, Judge Pittman declared a mistrial after raising concerns about a shirt worn by defense attorney MarQuetta Clayton, which featured images of civil rights movement leaders and protests. The judge stated the shirt could send a political message to potential jurors. The trial restarted the following week with a new jury panel.
Verdicts
On Friday, a federal jury delivered verdicts for all nine defendants. The key outcomes were:
Convicted on all major charges:
- Benjamin Song: Convicted of one count of attempted murder for shooting the police officer, multiple counts of discharging a firearm, providing material support to terrorists, rioting, and use of explosives. He was acquitted on two other attempted murder counts targeting correctional officers.
Convicted of providing material support to terrorists, rioting, and use of explosives:
- Autumn Hill
- Zachary Evetts
- Savanna Batten
- Meagan Morris
- Maricela Rueda
- Elizabeth Soto
- Ines Soto
Acquittals: Hill, Evetts, Morris, and Rueda were acquitted of attempted murder and firearms charges.
Document-related charges:
- Maricela Rueda and Daniel Sanchez-Estrada were convicted of conspiracy to conceal documents. Sanchez-Estrada was also convicted of corruptly concealing a document related to moving boxes of pamphlets after Rueda's arrest.
Sentencing
On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor sentenced the eight convicted individuals. The sentences are unusually long, with former federal prosecutor Barbara McQuade noting that such convictions typically range from 15 to 25 years.
Defendant Sentence Benjamin Song 100 years Maricela Rueda 70 years Savanna Batten 50 years Autumn Hill 50 years Meagan Morris 50 years Zachary Evetts 50 years Elizabeth Soto 50 years Ines Soto 50 years Daniel Sanchez-Estrada 30 yearsBenjamin Song's attorney stated that Song will appeal. Song said in court, "I never want to see good people, standing for what they believe in, gunned down in the street" and described the sentences as "mass punishment" and "guilt by association."
Reactions
Government Officials
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the sentences "reflect accountability for attacks on law enforcement and federal facilities." Attorney General Pam Bondi said, "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."
Alvarado Police Chief Teddy May acknowledged the verdicts, stating that the outcome reflected accountability for actions taken and that the defendants could not have reasonably considered their presence a peaceful protest.
Defense and Supporters
Families of the defendants condemned the sentence lengths. Amber Lowery, sister of defendant Savanna Batten, called the sentences "absurd" and stated the case relied on "lies and misinformation." The DFW Support Committee stated they were "heartbroken" and called the trial "a sham built on political persecution."
Defense attorney Cody Cofer, representing Autumn Hill, expressed gratitude that the jury "could see through the Government's fear mongering Antifa 'ambush' narrative" for some charges but worried that other guilty verdicts resulted from a compromise. He affirmed plans for appeal regarding First Amendment and sufficiency of evidence issues.
Legal Context and Criticism
The case has been viewed as a test of the federal government's authority to prosecute alleged domestic terrorism. Critics argue that the charges could have a chilling effect on First Amendment-protected protest activities. Legal experts noted that the prosecution's use of the material support for terrorism statute in a domestic context represents an expansion of executive power under the Trump administration.
Suzanne Adely, interim president of the National Lawyers Guild, stated that the government aims to "squash" opposition, and such cases may help "intimidate" potential protesters.
Additional Defendants
Seven additional individuals previously pleaded guilty to providing material support to terrorists, each facing up to 15 years in prison. Some of these individuals testified for the prosecution during the trial. All 16 defendants will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman at a later date.