Eight defendants have received a combined 450 years in federal prison for their roles in a violent attack on a federal immigration detention center in Alvarado, Texas, on July 4, 2025. President Donald Trump highlighted the sentencings on Saturday, characterizing the outcome as a significant achievement in his administration's ongoing efforts to combat violent extremism and uphold public safety.
"The sentences handed down today make clear that Antifa terrorists who attack law enforcement and federal facilities will face swift and uncompromising justice." — Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General
The sentences followed a 12-day federal trial where prosecutors presented evidence alleging a coordinated assault on the Prairieland Detention Center. According to the Department of Justice, the defendants were identified as members of what prosecutors termed the "North Texas Antifa Cell." Prosecutors alleged the group arrived at the facility wearing dark clothing and face coverings, consistent with "black bloc" protest tactics, and were equipped with firearms, explosives, body armor, and military-grade medical supplies.
During the attack, the group reportedly launched fireworks and other explosive devices at the detention center, causing damage to government property. The situation escalated when the defendants allegedly opened fire on law enforcement officers who responded to the scene. Alvarado Police Officer Thomas Gross was among the first responders after detention center personnel placed a 911 call. During the confrontation, prosecutors stated that defendant Benjamin Hanil Song, identified as the group's leader, shouted, "Get to the rifles!" before discharging his firearm at officers. Officer Gross was struck in the neck during the exchange but fortunately survived the injury.
Of the eight defendants, Benjamin Hanil Song received the most severe sentence, 100 years in federal prison. Song was convicted of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and multiple terrorism-related offenses. Maricela Rueda was sentenced to 70 years. Cameron Arnold, Savanna Batten, Zachary Evetts, Bradford Morris, and Elizabeth Soto each received 50-year prison terms. Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada was sentenced to 30 years. The combined sentences for the eight individuals totaled 450 years.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a statement emphasizing the Department of Justice's resolve to aggressively prosecute attacks on law enforcement officers and federal facilities. "The sentences handed down today make clear that Antifa terrorists who attack law enforcement and federal facilities will face swift and uncompromising justice," Blanche stated. FBI Director Kash Patel affirmed the bureau's commitment to investigating and dismantling violent extremist groups. "Today’s sentencings show the FBI remains committed to identifying, locating, and dismantling Antifa and its funding networks across the country," Patel said.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould further clarified that the defendants' actions transcended protected political speech, describing the incident as involving terrorism, attempted murder, vandalism, and the use of explosives. During the sentencing proceedings, Chief U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor characterized the attack as "an assault on democracy." U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman remarked that it was "by the grace of God" that the incident did not result in additional fatalities, noting that a responding officer's gunfire struck Song’s rifle during the exchange.
Defense attorneys, however, disputed both the severity of the sentences and the prosecution's characterization of the group. Some defendants denied any affiliation with Antifa, arguing instead that they participated in the demonstration to support detained immigrants, rather than as members of an organized extremist organization. The Department of Justice has maintained that the evidence presented during the trial conclusively demonstrated that the defendants acted in a coordinated effort to carry out a violent assault on the federal detention facility and the responding law enforcement officers. President Trump’s highlighting of the case underscores the administration's focus on maintaining law and order and prosecuting those involved in politically motivated violence.
