A closely watched federal criminal case concluded this week, prompting President Donald Trump to highlight what his administration described as a major victory in its effort to combat domestic extremism.
The case drew national attention after eight defendants received a combined 450 years in federal prison for their roles in a violent attack on a Texas immigration detention center.
Trump highlighted the sentences in a post on Truth Social, pointing to the convictions as evidence of his administration’s commitment to law and order.
According to the Justice Department, the defendants were members of what prosecutors identified as the North Texas Antifa Cell. They were convicted following a 12-day federal trial stemming from the July 4, 2025, attack on the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas.
Federal prosecutors said the group arrived wearing dark clothing and face coverings commonly associated with the “black bloc” tactic while carrying firearms, explosives, body armor, and military-grade medical kits.
According to prosecutors, the defendants launched fireworks and other explosive devices at the detention facility, vandalized government property, and attacked responding law enforcement officers.
Trial testimony showed that Alvarado Police Officer Thomas Gross responded after detention center staff called 911. Prosecutors said Benjamin Hanil Song shouted, “Get to the rifles!” before opening fire on officers. Gross was struck in the neck but survived.
Prosecutors identified Song as the group’s leader. He received the longest sentence—100 years in federal prison—after being convicted of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and multiple terrorism-related offenses.
The remaining defendants also received lengthy prison terms. Maricela Rueda was sentenced to 70 years, while Cameron Arnold, Savanna Batten, Zachary Evetts, Bradford Morris, and Elizabeth Soto each received 50-year sentences. Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada was sentenced to 30 years. Combined, the eight defendants received 450 years in federal prison.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the sentences demonstrated that violent attacks on law enforcement and federal facilities would be met with severe consequences.
“The sentences handed down today make clear that Antifa terrorists who attack law enforcement and federal facilities will face swift and uncompromising justice,” Blanche said. “Their violent extremism has no place in our country, and the Department of Justice will continue to aggressively investigate, disrupt, and prosecute those who threaten law enforcement officers or undermine the rule of law.”
FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau would continue investigating violent extremist networks.
“Today’s sentencings show the FBI remains committed to identifying, locating, and dismantling Antifa and its funding networks across the country,” Patel said. “Acts of violence against our law enforcement partners will not be tolerated, and we continue our work to protect communities across the country from domestic terrorism.”
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould argued the defendants’ actions extended far beyond protected political expression.
“Their terrorist acts, attempted murder, vandalism, and explosives launched at a detention facility were a far cry from a peaceful protest or First Amendment expression,” Raybould said.
During sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor described the attack as “an assault on Democracy.” Judge Mark Pittman added that only chance prevented an even deadlier outcome, saying it was “by the grace of God” that Song survived after a responding officer’s gunfire struck Song’s rifle rather than Song himself during the exchange.
Defense attorneys and supporters of the defendants disputed both the severity of the sentences and prosecutors’ characterization of the group.
Some defendants denied any affiliation with Antifa and said they attended the demonstration to support detained immigrants.
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