A federal jury in Fort Worth convicted nine defendants on Friday for their roles in a July 2025 attack on the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, marking one of the most significant domestic terrorism prosecutions under the Trump administration.
The verdict was delivered around 2:30 p.m. at the federal courthouse following roughly a day and a half of deliberations, according to FOX 4 News. The 12-day trial featured testimony from more than 45 witnesses and review of over 210 exhibits.
Benjamin Song was convicted of the most serious charge — attempted murder — for shooting Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross during the incident, according to court records.
All nine defendants were found guilty of rioting. Eight were also convicted of providing material support to terrorists, conspiring to use and carry explosives, and using explosives during a riot. Daniel Estrada, who was not present the night of the incident, was convicted of concealing records and conspiracy to conceal documents. Maricela Rueda was also convicted of conspiracy to conceal documents.
Prosecutors argued the attack was orchestrated by Song and carried out by members of a North Texas Antifa cell, involving fireworks, damage to buildings and vehicles, and gunfire directed at officers. Defense attorneys argued there was no ambush and said the defendants did not intend for any violence to occur.
What the Right Is Saying
Attorney General Pamela Bondi called Antifa a domestic terrorist organization that has been allowed to flourish in Democrat-led cities. '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,' Bondi said in a statement.
FBI Director Kash Patel warned that the bureau would use every resource at its disposal to pursue those who attack federal law enforcement. 'If you attack federal law enforcement this FBI will use every resource at our disposal to hunt you down,' Patel said.
ICE Director Todd Lyons described the attack as a 'calculated, violent' act by 'antifa terrorists' and said those who choose violence over lawful expression would face the full force of the American justice system.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive critics and defense attorneys have maintained that Antifa is not a centralized organization but rather a loose network of anti-fascist activists with no formal structure. Critics argue that labeling participants as members of a terrorist organization conflates political protest with terrorism, and they question whether the charges reflect aggressive prosecution under the current administration.
Some progressive voices have noted that most of the defendants were convicted on lesser charges like rioting rather than terrorism-related offenses, suggesting the prosecution's theory of a coordinated Antifa cell may not have been fully supported by the evidence. Defense attorneys argued there was no ambush and that participants did not intend violence against officers.
What the Numbers Show
Nine defendants were convicted in federal court following a 12-day trial. Eight of the nine were convicted on charges including providing material support to terrorists, rioting, and explosives-related charges. One defendant, Daniel Estrada, was convicted of lesser charges related to document concealment.
The trial featured more than 45 witnesses and over 210 exhibits. The attack occurred on July 4, 2025 — a federal holiday — at the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas.
The most serious conviction was attempted murder, of which Benjamin Song was found guilty for shooting Lt. Thomas Gross. Sentencing dates have not yet been set.
The Bottom Line
The convictions represent a significant enforcement action against what prosecutors described as a coordinated group responsible for attacking federal immigration facilities. The case sets a precedent for prosecuting participants in protests that turn violent as terrorism-related offenses, regardless of whether the target is a traditional government building or an immigration detention center.
Sentencing hearings will determine the actual prison terms for each defendant. Legal observers will watch whether the terrorism-related convictions result in enhanced sentences, and whether this prosecution model is applied to similar cases around the country.