The federal trial of nine individuals accused of carrying out an “ambush” attack on an ICE detention facility in North Texas in 2025 resulted in a mixed verdict delivered by the jurors. The U.S. Department of Justice announced that the defendants, who were part of a North Texas “Antifa cell,” were convicted for their roles in the July 4th attack on the Prairieland ICE Detention Center.
The verdict was reached at the federal courthouse in Fort Worth after a day and a half of deliberations. Kash Patel, speaking on behalf of the FBI, emphasized the commitment to identifying and dismantling Antifa members and their networks. He expressed gratitude to the Dallas field office and partners for delivering justice in this case.
During the 12-day trial that commenced on February 23, 2026, jurors heard from over 45 witnesses and reviewed more than 210 exhibits related to the charges against the defendants. Benjamin Song was convicted of attempted murder for shooting Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross. The other defendants, except for Daniel Estrada, were found guilty of providing material support to terrorists, rioting, conspiring to use explosives, and using explosives during a riot.
Estrada, who was not present during the incident, was convicted of concealing records and conspiracy to conceal documents. Maricela Rueda was also found guilty of conspiracy to conceal documents. Attorney General Pamela Bondi described Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization that thrived in Democrat-led cities. She emphasized the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle Antifa and put an end to their violence.
The attack on the Prairieland ICE Detention Facility involved fireworks, property damage, and gunfire directed at officers. Prosecutors argued that the attack was orchestrated by Song and carried out by members of the North Texas Antifa cell. Defense attorneys, however, claimed that there was no ambush and that the defendants did not intend for violence to occur.
ICE Director Todd Lyons condemned the violent attack, stating that those who choose violence over lawful expression will face the full force of the American justice system. The verdicts in this case highlight the consequences of engaging in violent acts against law enforcement agencies.
