Key facts
- Eight individuals were sentenced to a collective 450 years in prison for a July 4, 2025, attack on a Texas immigration detention center.
- Benjamin Song, identified as the group's leader and convicted of attempted murder, received a 100-year sentence.
- Seven other defendants received sentences ranging from 30 to 70 years.
- Prosecutors alleged the defendants were Antifa militants who used fireworks and weapons.
- One law enforcement officer was shot in the neck during the incident.
- The defendants denied Antifa affiliation and claimed they were protesting ICE.
Eight individuals have been collectively sentenced to 450 years in prison for their roles in a violent protest outside an immigration detention center in Texas on July 4, 2025. Prosecutors alleged the group, described as North Texas Antifa Cell operatives, engaged in rioting, used weapons and explosives, and provided material support to terrorists.
Benjamin Hanil Song, identified as the purported leader, received the longest sentence of 100 years after being convicted of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. A US judge characterized their actions as "an assault on democracy." The US Department of Justice stated that violent extremists attacking law enforcement and federal facilities will face uncompromising justice.
One law enforcement officer was shot in the neck and survived the incident. The defendants were convicted on charges including rioting, using weapons and explosives, providing material support to terrorists, and obstruction. Song stated in a written declaration that he fired his gun because he believed the police officer was preparing to shoot a protester.
Maricela Rueda was sentenced to 70 years; Cameron Arnold, Savanna Batten, Zachary Evetts, Bradford Morris, and Elizabeth Soto each received 50 years; and Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada was sentenced to 30 years. A ninth defendant, Ines Soto, and seven others who pleaded guilty will be sentenced on July 1.
The defendants have denied any affiliation with Antifa, stating they attended the demonstration to support detained immigrants and believed it was intended as a "noise demonstration" without violence. Antifa has been a target for President Donald Trump, who signed an executive order designating the loosely organized movement as a domestic terror organization.