ANTIFA Terrorist Convicted — Officer Shot in AMBUSH

A federal jury delivered a landmark verdict convicting nine Antifa-linked extremists on domestic terrorism charges, marking the first time the radical left’s violent arm has faced serious accountability in a federal courtroom for what prosecutors called a calculated Independence Day ambush on an ICE detention facility.

Story Highlights

Nine defendants convicted on federal terrorism, rioting, and explosives charges following July 4, 2025 armed attack on Prairieland ICE Detention Facility in Alvarado, Texas
Benjamin Song found guilty of attempted murder for shooting Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross in the neck during the assault
Attorney General Pamela Bondi vows this is just the beginning as Trump administration systematically dismantles Antifa operations nationwide
Sixteen total convictions secured as seven co-conspirators previously pleaded guilty to material support for terrorism charges

Federal Jury Delivers Historic Terrorism Convictions

The Fort Worth federal jury announced its verdict on March 13, 2026, after fifteen hours of deliberation in what prosecutors described as the nation’s first Antifa-related domestic terrorism trial. Benjamin Song was convicted of attempted murder and firearm discharge during a violent felony for shooting Alvarado Police Lieutenant Thomas Gross. Eight additional defendants—excluding Daniel Estrada—were found guilty of rioting, providing material support to terrorists, conspiracy to use explosives, and using explosives during a riot. Estrada received a guilty verdict solely for concealing documents related to the attack, while his wife Maricela Rueda faced convictions on multiple terrorism-related counts.

Coordinated Attack on Immigration Enforcement Facility

On the night of July 4, 2025, approximately ten individuals dressed in black bloc attire descended on the Prairieland ICE Detention Facility. Prosecutors presented evidence showing the group deployed fireworks and explosives, vandalized vehicles and buildings, slashed tires, and chanted anti-ICE slogans outside detainee dormitories. When Lieutenant Gross responded to the disturbance, Song allegedly panicked and fired a rifle shot that struck the officer in the neck. Song fled the scene, dropping his weapon, while co-conspirators aided his escape. The prosecution used Signal chat messages, maps, Antifa propaganda materials, and surveillance footage to demonstrate premeditation, successfully countering defense claims of spontaneous chaos.

Trump Administration Promises Aggressive Pursuit

Attorney General Pamela Bondi issued a forceful statement following the verdicts, declaring this conviction “will not be the last as the Trump administration systematically dismantles Antifa.” U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas emphasized that the attack was “a vicious, armed attack” and “a far cry from peaceful protest.” FBI Director Kash Patel reinforced the administration’s commitment to investigating and disrupting Antifa funding networks. The strong federal response represents a sharp departure from previous years when Antifa violence often went unprosecuted or dismissed as mere protest activity, leaving law-abiding citizens and law enforcement vulnerable to extremist intimidation.

Defense Claims Overreach as Evidence Mounts

Defense attorneys expressed shock at the terrorism convictions, characterizing federal charges as government overreach against protesters. Lisa Pamplin, representing Maricela Rueda, called the outcome surprising, while Warren St. John, defending Meagan Morris, expressed disappointment with what he termed a mishandled complex case. However, trial testimony from seven co-conspirators who accepted plea deals painted a damning picture of coordination and violent intent. Witnesses described routine armament at protests under the guise of self-defense, pre-attack discussions involving Song’s proposal for an armed ICE detainee breakout, and deliberate use of anonymizing tactics like grey bloc and black bloc attire to evade identification and accountability.

Precedent-Setting Case Establishes New Legal Framework

This prosecution establishes critical legal precedent for treating organized political violence as domestic terrorism rather than protected protest activity. The convictions carry potential sentences exceeding fifteen years for material support charges alone, with additional time for explosives and attempted murder counts. Judge Mark Pittman rejected Song’s self-defense claim, reinforcing that violent attacks on law enforcement during criminal acts receive no constitutional protection. Lieutenant Gross survived his gunshot wound and returned to duty, but the trauma inflicted on the Alvarado community and ICE personnel underscores the real-world consequences of radical leftist violence that too often receives sympathetic media coverage or outright dismissal.

More Than Just an Idea: Jury Convicts Nine in Antifa ICE Terrorism Trialhttps://t.co/ZH495CJiDq

— RedState (@RedState) March 14, 2026

The sixteen total convictions—nine from trial verdicts and seven from guilty pleas—send an unmistakable message that the rule of law will be upheld against extremist organizations that weaponize political ideology to justify violence. Sentencing hearings remain pending, and federal investigators continue probing additional participants and funding sources. For Americans exhausted by years of watching masked agitators terrorize communities with impunity, this verdict represents overdue justice and a restoration of accountability that protects both public safety and the constitutional order from those who seek to tear it down.