Texas Antifa Cell Defendants Receive Combined 450 Years For Prairieland ICE Attack
Eight protesters tied to the July 4, 2025 Prairieland Detention Center attack were sentenced to a combined 450 years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.[1]
Leader Benjamin Hanil Song received 100 years, and seven co-defendants were given terms of 70, 50, 50, 50, 50, 50 and 30 years.[1] Prosecutors say the group set off fireworks, vandalized property and fired at officers, wounding Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross during what they described as a planned ambush.[2] Defense lawyers said Song fired "suppressive fire," argued the officer may have been hit by a ricochet and said they will appeal.[3]
On July 4, 2025, protesters staged a late-night "noise demonstration" outside the Prairieland Detention Center that involved fireworks and property damage before gunfire erupted.[4] Defendants were convicted on counts including attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and on charges involving firearms, explosives, riot and material support to terrorists after a 12-day jury trial that featured dozens of witnesses and more than 210 exhibits.[1]
The Justice Department and federal officials portrayed the defendants as a North Texas Antifa cell and described the case as a terrorist attack, a framing tied by prosecutors to President Trump's September 2025 designation of Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization.[1] Other outlets and legal observers have questioned that characterization and called the consecutive long sentences unusually severe.[5]
All defendants who were at the July 4 demonstration were ordered to pay $4,408.95 in restitution to Prairieland, and several additional defendants who pleaded guilty earlier are scheduled for sentencing on July 1.[4][6]
The mainstream summary does not address the broader context of the Prairieland Detention Center's capacity and the scale of ICE detentions, which could shed light on the significance of the protest. As of 2025, the Prairieland facility had a contractual capacity of 707 beds, while ICE held between approximately 48,000 and over 73,000 individuals in detention on any given day during that period. This context raises questions about the conditions and policies that may have motivated the protest and the subsequent violent confrontation.[7], Vera Institute of Justice
Additionally, while the mainstream account frames the defendants as part of a terrorist organization, critics have described the sentences as excessively harsh and have questioned the characterization of the incident as a terrorist attack. The Green Party of Utah condemned the sentences as draconian, reflecting a divergence in public opinion regarding the severity of the legal response to the incident. This highlights a significant debate around the implications of labeling political protests as terrorism, especially in the context of rising left-wing political violence and extremism in the United States.[5]
Show source details & analysis (11 sources)
📊 Relevant Data
Prairieland Detention Center has a contractual capacity of 707 beds.
ICE Contractual Capacity and Number Detained — TRAC Immigration
ICE held between approximately 48,000 and over 73,000 people in detention on any given day.
ICE Detention Trends — Vera Institute of Justice
📌 Key Facts
- On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor sentenced eight protesters tied to the July 4, 2025 Prairieland Detention Center attack, with leader Benjamin Hanil Song given 100 years and seven co-defendants receiving 70, 50, 50, 50, 50, 50 and 30 years (a combined 450 years).
- The North Texas Antifa Cell, as described in the Department of Justice press release, was framed by senior DOJ and federal law‑enforcement officials as part of a terrorist attack and the first sentencings after President Trump’s September 2025 designation of Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization.
- Prosecutors say the July 4, 2025 confrontation began as a late‑night "noise demonstration" involving fireworks and vandalism to vehicles, a guard shack and security equipment, during which Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross was struck by gunfire.
- Defendants were convicted on counts that prosecutors described as including [attempted murder of a law enforcement officer] and crimes involving firearms, explosives, riot and material support to terrorists, following a 12‑day jury trial that began Feb. 23 and included testimony from dozens of witnesses and more than 210 exhibits.
- Defense attorneys — including Phillip Hayes — argued Song fired only "suppressive fire," said the officer may have been hit by a ricochet after aggressively drawing his weapon, and noted Song intends to appeal; Song and family members denied Antifa membership and said he fired believing an officer was about to shoot a protester.
- Legal observers criticized the severity of the punishments as unusually long; former U.S. attorney Barbara McQuade said she would have expected 15–25 year terms and noted the judge appeared to impose consecutive sentences rather than concurrent ones.
- All defendants who were at the Prairieland demonstration — including some who pleaded guilty earlier — were ordered jointly and severally to pay $4,408.95 in restitution to the detention center.
📰 Source Timeline (11)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
June 24, 2026
9:08 AM
Prairieland shooter gets 100 years, others 30-70 for ICE detention center ‘antifa’ protest – Houston Public Media
New information:
- Houston Public Media reports on the June 24, 2026 sentencings in the Prairieland Detention Center attack case, confirming that shooter Benjamin Hanil Song received a 100-year sentence and seven co-defendants received sentences ranging from 30 to 70 years for their roles in the July 4, 2025 incident in Alvarado, Texas.
- The article reiterates that the late-night "noise demonstration" outside Prairieland Detention Center involved fireworks, vandalism and gunfire that wounded Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross.
- The story notes that defendants were tied by prosecutors to what the Justice Department described as a North Texas Antifa cell, although defense lawyers disputed those characterizations.
12:00 AM
Eight sentenced to 450 years in prison over anti-ICE riot where officer was shot
New information:
- The BBC article confirms that eight members of the so‑called North Texas Antifa Cell were collectively sentenced to 450 years in prison for the July 4, 2025 Prairieland Detention Center attack.
- It specifies individual terms: leader Benjamin Hanil Song received 100 years; Maricela Rueda received 70 years; Cameron Arnold (also known as Autumn Hill), Savanna Batten, Zachary Evetts, Bradford (Meagan) Morris and Elizabeth Soto each received 50 years; and Daniel Rolando Sanchez‑Estrada received 30 years.
- The article notes that seven additional defendants pleaded guilty earlier to providing material support to terrorists and, along with a ninth co‑defendant Ines Soto, are scheduled to be sentenced on July 1, 2026.
- It reports that Song submitted a written statement at sentencing saying he fired his gun because he believed an officer was about to shoot a protester, and that his mother publicly disputes that he shot the officer or intended to harm anyone.
- The piece reiterates that President Donald Trump designated Antifa a domestic terrorist organization in September (referencing a prior executive order) and quotes Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche calling the sentences a clear signal that "Antifa terrorists" will face "swift and uncompromising justice."
- The Department of Justice description in this article frames the North Texas Antifa Cell as part of a broader network of individuals and small groups ascribing to an ideology that calls for overthrowing the U.S. government and law enforcement.
June 23, 2026
9:47 PM
Former Marine gets 100 years in prison as judge calls ICE detention center ambush 'an assault on democracy'
New information:
- The Fox article confirms that Benjamin Song, a former U.S. Marine Corps reservist, received the statutory maximum sentence of 100 years in prison at sentencing on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
- It specifies that seven other defendants received sentences ranging from 30 to 70 years, and names two of them, Autumn Hill and Savanna Batten, as having each received 50-year prison terms.
- U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor is quoted in court describing the Prairieland attack as "an assault on democracy," framing his view of the crime during sentencing.
- Prosecutor Frank Gatto is quoted telling the court the defendants "believe violence is justified" and urging stiff penalties based on their extremist beliefs.
- Song's attorney Phillip Hayes argued that Song provided only "suppressive fire" and claimed Lt. Thomas Gross was hit by a ricochet after "aggressively" drawing his weapon, while also noting Song's intent to appeal and his prior record as "a former Marine" and "a good student."
- The article reiterates that the Justice Department described the group as a North Texas Antifa cell and ties the case to President Trump's recent executive order designating Antifa a domestic terrorist organization, presenting the case as a focus for the administration's crackdown on far-left militant groups.
7:39 PM
Protesters Receive Decadeslong Sentences for Texas ICE Facility Clash
New information:
- On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, eight protesters tied to the July 2025 Prairieland Detention Center incident were sentenced to decades in prison, with one receiving a 100‑year sentence, reaffirming and independently reporting the sentencing outcomes first detailed by other outlets.
- The Wall Street Journal article summarizes prosecutors' account that the group damaged vehicles, set off fireworks toward the Prairieland Detention Center facility in Alvarado, Texas, and shot at an Alvarado police officer and unarmed corrections officers, with the police officer hit in the neck and injured.
- The piece notes that more than a dozen people in total have been convicted or pleaded guilty in connection with the Prairieland attack, reiterating but not expanding the previously reported scope of prosecutions.
7:01 PM
8 convicted in Texas immigration center shooting sentenced to decades in prison
New information:
- On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor sentenced eight protesters in Fort Worth for the July 4, 2025 shooting outside the Prairieland Detention Center, giving one defendant, former Marine Corps reservist Benjamin Song, a 100-year prison term and imposing 30- to 70-year terms on the seven others.
- Prosecutors asserted in court that Song shouted "get to the rifles" and opened fire, striking a police officer who had just arrived at the detention center; the defense argued the officer was hit by a ricochet from "suppressive fire" after the officer "aggressively" drew his weapon.
- Judge O'Connor said in open court that the event was "an assault on democracy" and stressed that "the need to deter this type of conduct is high."
- Defense attorney Phillip Hayes said he will appeal Song's 100-year sentence and emphasized Song's prior record as a former Marine and good student, arguing that his positive qualities were ignored at sentencing.
- Two defendants, Autumn Hill and Savanna Batten, each received 50-year sentences, and family members gave mitigation statements describing the gathering as "more like a party" and portraying Batten as a long-time activist with plans to open a bakery.
- The article reiterates that President Donald Trump signed an executive order in fall 2025 designating antifa a domestic terrorist organization, and that some defendants pleaded guilty to providing material support to terrorists rather than go to trial.
6:54 PM
Protesters Accused of Antifa Ties Sentenced to Up to 100 Years in ICE Attack
New information:
- The New York Times article, published June 23, 2026, reports on the same Fort Worth federal sentencing of eight protesters tied to the July 4, 2025 shooting outside the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas.
- It characterizes the defendants as protesters accused of antifa ties and details that prosecutors framed the case ideologically around antifa-linked activity rather than treating it as a purely apolitical attack.
- The piece offers additional narrative on how the Justice Department and defense lawyers argued over whether the conduct constituted terrorism versus protest-turned-violent, adding nuance to the earlier description of charges and sentences.
6:35 PM
Texas anti-ICE protesters convicted of terrorism charges sentenced to at least 50 years in prison | Trump administration | The Guardian
New information:
- On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, a federal judge sentenced nine Prairieland protesters to terms of at least 50 years in prison after a March jury conviction.
- Benjamin Song, convicted of attempted murder of an officer of the United States plus firearms, explosives, riot and material-support-to-terrorists counts, received a 100-year sentence; he had faced 20 years to life.
- Co-defendants Zachary Evetts, Autumn Hill, Savanna Batten, Elizabeth Soto and Meagan Morris were each sentenced to 50 years, and Maricela Rueda received 70 years, all on riot, material-support-to-terrorists and explosives convictions; some had been acquitted of attempted-murder and firearms charges.
- The article details that the July 4, 2025 protest plan centered on a late-night "noise demonstration" with fireworks, during which some participants vandalized vehicles, a guard shack, a government van’s tires and a security camera before an officer was shot in the shoulder with an AR-15.
- Former Obama-era U.S. attorney Barbara McQuade is quoted saying she would have expected 15-25 year sentences and that the judge appears to have imposed consecutive, not concurrent, terms, making the 50- to 100-year punishments "unusually long."
- Song issued a statement saying he fired at Lt Thomas Gross because Gross had drawn his weapon and Song believed he was about to shoot a protester, calling the case "mass punishment" and "guilt by association."
- Family members and supporters, including defendant Savanna Batten’s sister, publicly denounced the sentences as "absurd" and vowed to continue appealing and seeking to overturn the convictions.
- The article notes that the longest Prairieland sentences exceed those imposed on January 6 defendants such as Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio (22 years) and Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes (18 years), framing the case as an extreme benchmark for protest-related terrorism prosecutions.
4:37 PM
8 convicted in Texas immigration center shooting, protest are sentenced to decades in prison - Los Angeles Times
New information:
- The Los Angeles Times confirms that the former Marine Corps reservist identified as the shooter was sentenced to 100 years in federal prison on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, and that seven other protesters received sentences ranging from 30 to 70 years.
- Judge Reed O'Connor is quoted in greater detail as saying the July 4 Prairieland incident 'wasn't a protest but an assault on democracy' and emphasizing that 'the need to deter this type of conduct is high.'
- The article adds that the defendants denied any affiliation with antifa and said they were demonstrating in support of detained immigrants, contrasting with the Justice Department's 'antifa cell' characterization.
- It notes that President Trump signed an executive order last fall designating antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, and that the order is facing legal scrutiny with critics warning of broad First Amendment implications for protest activity.
- Defense attorney Phillip Hayes is quoted expanding on his claim that Benjamin Song's shots were 'suppressive fire' and that a ricochet hit the officer after the officer 'aggressively' drew his firearm, and he confirms an appeal of the 100‑year sentence is planned.
- Song's mother, Hope Song, publicly disputed prosecutors' claims that her son shot the officer and said he did not intend to hurt anyone, underscoring family criticism of the terrorism framing and sentence length.
4:33 PM
8 convicted of terrorism charges in Texas immigration center shooting sentenced to decades in prison
3:57 PM
Prairieland shooter gets 100 years, others 30-70 for ICE detention center ‘antifa’ protest | KERA News
New information:
- KERA confirms that Prairieland shooter Benjamin Song was sentenced to 100 years in prison on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, for the nonfatal shooting of Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross outside the Prairieland Detention Center on July 4, 2025.
- The article details that Maricela Rueda received a 70-year sentence; Autumn Hill, Zachary Evetts, Meagan Morris, Savanna Batten and Elizabeth Soto each received 50-year sentences; and Daniel Sanchez Estrada received a 30-year sentence.
- KERA reports all defendants present at Prairieland on July 4, 2025 — including guilty-plea defendants Nathan Baumann and Seth Sikes — were ordered to pay $4,408.95 in restitution to the Prairieland Detention Center, jointly and severally.
- The story cites a Justice Department press release noting these are the first sentencings since President Donald Trump declared 'antifa' a domestic terrorist organization and quoting FBI Director Kash Patel saying the FBI remains committed to dismantling Antifa and its funding networks.
- KERA provides on-the-record remarks from Benjamin Song at sentencing, including his denial that the July 4 incident was an ambush, his claim that he fired after seeing Lt. Gross point a gun at another defendant and fearing police brutality, and his statement that he does not belong to an antifa organization.
- Judge Mark Pittman is quoted as saying Song had 'obviously' not accepted responsibility and showed no remorse, and the article notes he repeatedly warned Song not to make a political statement during his remarks.
- Song’s mother, Hope Song, is quoted at a post-sentencing press conference accusing the government of lying about what happened and saying her son has accepted responsibility only for 'what actually happened.'
1:14 PM
Office of Public Affairs | Leader of Antifa Cell Members in North Texas Sentenced to 100 Years in Prison for Terrorist Attack on ICE Facility | United States Department of Justice
New information:
- On June 23, 2026, DOJ formally announced that eight "North Texas Antifa Cell" operatives were sentenced for the July 4, 2025 Prairieland Detention Center attack before its one-year anniversary.
- Benjamin Hanil Song, convicted of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, received a 100-year prison sentence; the seven co-defendants received terms of 70, 50, 50, 50, 50, 50, and 30 years respectively, for a combined 450 years.
- DOJ described this as the first sentencing of defendants affiliated with Antifa following President Trump’s September 2025 executive order designating Antifa a domestic terrorist organization.
- Senior officials including Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, FBI Director Kash Patel, U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould, and Acting ICE Director David J. Venturella issued on-the-record statements framing the Prairieland incident as a terrorist attack on law enforcement and federal facilities.
- The DOJ press release specifies that a 12-day jury trial beginning Feb. 23 featured testimony from 46 witnesses and over 210 exhibits related to the Prairieland case.