Nine members of a North Texas Antifa cell were convicted by a federal jury in Fort Worth for their involvement in the July 4, 2025, attack on the Prairieland ICE Detention Center, according to a Mar. 13 announcement from United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
The convictions stem from charges including rioting, use of weapons and explosives, providing material support to terrorists, obstruction, and attempted murder of law enforcement officers. The case is significant as it marks what officials described as the nation’s first federal indictment targeting a coordinated group of Antifa cell members engaged in violent criminal activity.
Jurors heard testimony from more than 45 witnesses over a 12-day trial that began on Feb. 23. The nine convicted defendants are Cameron Arnold (also known as Autunm Hill), Zachary Evetts, Benjamin Song, Savanna Batten, Bradford Morris (also known as Meagan Morris), Maricela Rueda, Elizabeth Soto, Ines Soto, and Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada. Seven others had previously pleaded guilty to providing material support to terrorists.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi said: “Antifa is a domestic terrorist organization that has been allowed to flourish in Democrat-led cities — not under President Trump. 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.”
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould said: “These guilty verdicts and convictions rightly reflect the vicious, armed attack that these Antifa cell members planned and executed against law enforcement and detention center officers on the night of July 4 last year... We will continue in this mission to hold others accountable who perpetrate such violence and fund these ANTIFA groups in the Northern District of Texas.”
FBI Director Kash Patel added: “Today’s verdict shows the FBI remains committed to identifying, locating, and dismantling Antifa and its funding networks across the country.” ICE Director Todd M. Lyons stated: “Let today’s outcome serve as a warning: Those who target federal officers with intimidation, ambush tactics or political violence will be investigated, prosecuted and held accountable.”
According to evidence presented at trial, most cell members looked to Benjamin Song as their leader; he acquired firearms for distribution among co-defendants and recruited new members through gun range sessions. Defendants also created insurrectionary materials called "zines." On July 4th night, at least eleven defendants dressed in black clothing attacked Prairieland Detention Center using firearms and fireworks while attempting to conceal their identities.
During the incident an Alvarado police officer was shot after responding to calls for help; bodycam footage captured Benjamin Song instructing others before opening fire. Most suspects were arrested near the scene; Song was apprehended later after evading capture with assistance from others.
Sentencing hearings are pending before United States District Judge Mark Pittman. Song faces up to life imprisonment; other defendants face sentences ranging from ten years up to sixty years or more depending on specific convictions.
