A federal jury in Fort Worth has convicted nine members of a North Texas Antifa cell for a coordinated, armed attack on the Prairieland ICE Detention Center that took place on July 4, 2025. The verdict, delivered Friday following a 12-day trial, marks the conclusion of a case involving charges of attempted murder, rioting, and providing material support to terrorists.
The defendants convicted in the trial are Cameron Arnold, Zachary Evetts, Benjamin Song, Savanna Batten, Bradford Morris, Maricela Rueda, Elizabeth Soto, Ines Soto, and Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada. Seven other individuals had already entered guilty pleas for providing material support to terrorists prior to the trial’s start on February 23.
Federal prosecutors presented evidence that the group arrived at the Alvarado facility in “black bloc” attire to hide their identities before launching fireworks and explosives at the building and vandalizing vehicles. The confrontation escalated when Benjamin Song opened fire on law enforcement, striking an Alvarado police officer in the neck.
“These guilty verdicts and convictions rightly reflect the vicious, armed attack that these Antifa cell members planned and executed,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. He noted that the group’s actions, which included the use of military-grade medical kits and encrypted communication, went far beyond peaceful protest.
Evidence revealed that Benjamin Song acted as the cell’s leader, acquiring more than 50 firearms and conducting combat training sessions. FBI Director Kash Patel stated the verdict demonstrates a commitment to “dismantling Antifa and its funding networks.”
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During the trial, jurors heard from 45 witnesses, including the wounded officer and former cell members who cooperated with the government. Witness Susan Kent testified that during a “gear check” the night before the attack, Song told the group he intended to free detainees and would not allow himself to be arrested.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi characterized the group as a “domestic terrorist organization,” stating the administration is working to “systematically dismantle” the movement. ICE Director Todd M. Lyons added that the verdict serves as a warning to those targeting federal officers with “ambush tactics or political violence.”
The convictions cover a range of federal offenses:
- Benjamin Song: Convicted of attempted murder, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and rioting. He faces 20 years to life in prison.
- Arnold, Evetts, Batten, Morris, Rueda, and the Soto sisters: Convicted of rioting, material support to terrorists, and using explosives. They face sentences between 10 and 60 years.
- Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada: Convicted of concealing documents and conspiracy to impair a federal investigation. He faces up to 40 years.
The investigation involved a massive collaboration between the FBI, HSI, ATF, and local Texas law enforcement. U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman will preside over the upcoming sentencing hearings.
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