Antifa Cell Members Convicted In Riot Attack On Texas ICE Facility

Nine defendants connected to the Independence Day riot at the Prairieland Detention Center in Texas were convicted Friday in federal court for their roles in what authorities described as a coordinated attack on the facility.

The convictions stem from the July 4, 2025 assault on the immigration detention center in Alvarado, Texas, where illegal immigrants were being held prior to deportation.

Federal prosecutors said the attack was organized by members of a North Texas Antifa cell and involved firearms, explosives, vandalism, and other acts of violence.

The defendants were convicted on charges including rioting, providing material support to terrorists, conspiracy to use and carry explosives, and using and carrying explosives.

Two additional defendants were convicted of conspiracy to conceal documents related to the attack.

During the riot, a local police officer was shot in the neck while responding to the scene.

According to the Department of Justice, Benjamin Song was identified as the leader of the group responsible for organizing the assault.

Prosecutors said Song recruited participants and distributed firearms to individuals involved in the attack.

Song was convicted of attempted murder of federal officers for the shooting of the Alvarado police officer.

He was also convicted of unlawfully discharging a firearm during the attempted murder of two correctional officers and the responding police officer.

Authorities said Song initially fled the scene following the attack but was later arrested on July 15, 2025.

Most of the other suspects involved were arrested shortly after the incident.

Song now faces a potential life sentence in prison with a mandatory minimum of 20 years, according to the Justice Department.

Seven of the other convicted defendants face potential prison sentences ranging from 10 to 60 years.

Another defendant, Daniel Rolando Sanchez Estrada, could face up to 40 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould said the convictions reflect the severity of the violent assault carried out against law enforcement and detention officers.

“These guilty verdicts rightly reflect the vicious armed attack that these Antifa cell members planned and executed against law enforcement and detention center officers on the night of July 4,” Raybould said.

He said the actions carried out by the defendants were far from peaceful protest.

“Their terrorist acts, attempted murder, vandalism, and explosives launched at a detention facility were a far cry from peaceful protest or First Amendment expression,” he said.

Raybould also credited the rapid response from first responders and investigators with preventing further harm and bringing those responsible to justice.

Officials said the attackers coordinated their plans through group chats where participants used pseudonyms to communicate.

The group also used fireworks during the riot and vandalized property at the facility.

Prosecutors said buildings were spray-painted with messages including profanity directed at police during the attack.

Federal authorities said the investigation into the incident is ongoing as they continue efforts to identify others who may have supported or financed the violent actions.