Nine people were convicted by a federal jury on Friday for their roles in last year’s attack on an ICE detention facility in Texas. Federal prosecutors described this case as the first-ever terrorism trial involving adherents of “antifa.”
One man, Benjamin Song, was identified by authorities as the ringleader of an antifa cell in northern Texas. He was convicted of attempted murder after a police officer was injured during the attack. The other eight individuals were convicted for their support of the attack, facing charges that included rioting and possession of explosives.
The Justice Department hailed the verdicts as a significant victory against antifa. “Antifa is a domestic terrorist organization that has been allowed to flourish in Democrat-led cities — not under President Trump,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi, according to the Washington Times. “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.”
President Donald Trump designated Antifa a domestic terrorist organization last fall, citing what his administration described as anti-government views shared among its supporters. Some experts have challenged that designation, arguing that Antifa is better understood as a loose movement or ideology rather than a formal organization.
The July 4 attack targeted the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Prairieland Detention Center, a facility where migrants are held while awaiting deportation proceedings.
The group first launched fireworks at the facility as a distraction. When local police responded to the scene, gunfire erupted.
According to testimony from Lt. Thomas Gross of the Alvarado Police Department, he was struck in the neck after shots were fired. Gross told the court that he heard Benjamin Song shout, “Get to the rifles,” moments before the gunfire began.
Several individuals involved later said they believed they were attending what had been described as a “noise demonstration,” intended to show support for detained migrants and protest the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Federal prosecutors, however, said the events that unfolded that night went far beyond a demonstration, describing the incident as a coordinated and violent attack on law enforcement.
“Their terrorist acts, attempted murder, vandalism, and explosives launched at a detention facility were a far cry from some peaceful protest or First Amendment expression,” said Ryan Raybould, the U.S. attorney in northern Texas, per the Times.
In addition to Song, the others convicted were Cameron Arnold, also known as Autumn Hill; Zachary Evetts; Savanna Batten; Bradford Morris, also known as Meagan Morris; Maricela Rueda; Elizabeth Soto; Ines Soto; and Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada.
Last year, several others pleaded guilty to providing material support to a terrorist group, the Times added.
Meanwhile, Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) appeared in federal court in October as she continued to fight a three-count indictment accusing her of impeding and interfering with federal officers at a Newark, New Jersey, ICE detention facility in May 2025.
McIver, who was indicted in June, faces charges connected to what prosecutors describe as an attempt to physically interfere with the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka outside the facility.
At the time, McIver was visiting the ICE site with Democratic Reps. Rob Menendez and Bonnie Watson Coleman for an oversight inspection as part of her work on the House Homeland Security Committee.
Defense attorneys said ICE employees delayed access to the lawmakers and obstructed their oversight visit.
Prosecutors allege McIver “slammed” her forearm into an ICE agent and grabbed him in an attempt to restrain him while also striking another officer as she returned inside the secure area.
They said they plan to rely on surveillance and body camera footage showing a scuffle lasting just over a minute.
McIver’s attorney argued that any actions she took were covered by the Constitution’s Speech or Debate Clause because she was performing official legislative duties.
The judge, however, questioned whether an alleged assault outside the facility gate could be considered part of congressional business.