A federal judge in Fort Worth, Texas, on Tuesday sentenced Benjamin Song to 100 years in prison for his role in a July 4, 2025, attack outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Alvarado. The incident resulted in Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross being shot in the neck, though he survived his injuries. Federal prosecutors characterized the event as a coordinated ambush designed to draw out and target law enforcement officers.
Song, who was convicted in March following a federal trial, received the longest sentence among the nine defendants found guilty. According to court records and testimony presented during the 12-day trial, the incident began as a demonstration outside the detention center. Participants allegedly set off fireworks, spray-painted vehicles, and engaged in acts of vandalism. Prosecutors argued that these actions were specifically intended to lure officers out of the facility, creating an opportunity for an attack.
When Lt. Gross responded to the scene, he was struck by gunfire. Federal prosecutors identified Song as the individual responsible for firing the shot that wounded the officer. A jury subsequently convicted Song of attempted murder and three counts of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The prosecution presented a substantial body of evidence during the trial, which included surveillance footage, witness testimony, cellphone location data, and weapons recovered during the investigation. A cooperating witness further testified that Song later admitted to shooting a law enforcement officer during the attack.
Investigators asserted that the assault was the culmination of weeks of meticulous planning and communication among the participants. The trial itself featured testimony from more than 45 witnesses and incorporated evidence collected from multiple locations. Authorities also recovered tactical gear, additional firearms, and other materials that they connected to the operation.
Eight additional defendants who proceeded to trial alongside Song were also convicted on various charges. These included rioting, conspiracy, and providing material support to terrorists. The charges related to explosives stemmed from the use of fireworks during the incident. While several defendants were acquitted of attempted murder and related firearm offenses, the federal government secured numerous convictions.
Among the other sentenced individuals, Maricela Rueda received a sentence of 70 years in prison. Autumn Hill, also known as Cameron Arnold, Zachary Evetts, Savanna Batten, Meagan Morris (also known as Bradford Morris), and Elizabeth Soto were each sentenced to 50 years. Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada was sentenced to 30 years in prison; he was also convicted of concealing records and conspiracy to conceal documents connected to Rueda. Prosecutors stated that some defendants actively assisted Song following the shooting.
The sentencing process for the remaining defendants is ongoing. Ines Soto is scheduled for sentencing on July 1. Additionally, seven other defendants previously pleaded guilty to providing material support to terrorists and are currently awaiting their respective sentences. These individuals include Seth Sikes, Nathan Baumann, Joy Gibson, Susan Kent, Rebecca Morgan, Lynette Sharp, and John Thomas, each facing a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Federal authorities described the case as one of the largest federal prosecutions tied to attacks on immigration enforcement facilities in recent years. The investigation involved extensive forensic analysis, electronic evidence, and witness testimony gathered over several months following the shooting incident. The successful prosecution underscores the federal government's commitment to responding to acts of violence against law enforcement and federal installations.
