Eight individuals accused of ties to the far-left network Antifa have been sentenced to decades in federal prison for their involvement in a violent ambush outside a North Texas immigration detention center on July 4, 2025. The U.S. Department of Justice announced the charges, which include providing material support to terrorists, rioting, and conspiring to use explosives.
Benjamin Song, a former U.S. Marine Corps reservist, received the maximum sentence of 100 years. He was previously convicted of attempted murder for shooting Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross during the incident. Seven other defendants were sentenced to terms ranging from 30 to 70 years, including Autumn Hill and Savanna Batten, who each received 50-year sentences.
During the sentencing, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor characterized the event not as a protest, but as "an assault on democracy." Federal prosecutors argued that the defendants held extremist beliefs and felt violence was justified. Authorities stated the ambush at the Prairieland ICE detention center included the use of fireworks, gunfire directed at officers, and damage to vehicles and buildings.
Despite the convictions, the defendants and their families have denied any affiliation with Antifa, asserting they were demonstrating in support of detained immigrants. Song's attorney argued that his client provided only "suppressive fire" and that the officer was hit by a ricocheted bullet after drawing his weapon. The attorney noted Song's past as a Marine and stated his client intended to appeal the sentence.
The case has been a focus for the Trump administration, which has prioritized cracking down on far-left militant groups. President Donald Trump had previously signed an executive order designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. Following the verdicts, Attorney General Pam Bondi stated the administration's intent to "systematically dismantle Antifa."