Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., has drawn sharp criticism for her remarks characterizing the prison sentences of convicted antifa members as a "travesty." The convictions stem from a violent attack on a Texas immigration facility, which federal prosecutors labeled an act of terrorism.
One of the defendants, Benjamin Song, a former Marine Corps reservist, received a 100-year prison sentence, the maximum allowed, after being convicted of attempted murder for shooting Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross. Gross survived a gunshot wound to the neck. Seven other members of the alleged North Texas antifa cell received sentences ranging from 30 to 70 years for charges including providing material support to terrorists, conspiracy to use weapons and explosives, and rioting.
"These sentences are a travesty and totally unjustified, but that's the point," Tlaib wrote on social media. "Americans hate the fascist Trump regime, so the only way they can try to cling to power is brute force."
Tlaib also criticized National Security Presidential Memo 7, a document released by President Donald Trump following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which classified antifa as a "domestic terrorist organization." The Texas trial marked the first time federal prosecutors successfully brought terrorism charges against alleged members of the far-left antifascist movement after the memo and an executive order linking the group to domestic terrorism.
"NSPM-7 is a grave threat to all of us and more bulls--- ‘terrorism’ charges like these are coming," Tlaib added.
Conservatives reacted strongly to Tlaib's statements, with some arguing that she appeared to excuse the actions of the rioters. Journalist Andy Ngo stated that the defendants were proven in court to be part of a terrorist antifa cell that trained for and planned violence, including using explosives to draw out federal agents and police before shooting Lt. Gross. Ngo noted that trial testimony from five cell members detailed their organization behind the antifa ideology.
Evidence presented at trial indicated that the defendants arrived at the facility on July 4, 2025, equipped with firearms and military-grade first aid kits, while wearing dark clothing and face coverings. Prosecutors stated the group vandalized property, including a security camera, and launched fireworks at the immigration detention center. Lt. Gross responded to the incident and testified that Song yelled, "Get to the rifles!" before opening fire.
"Their terrorist acts, attempted murder, vandalism, and explosives launched at a detention facility were a far cry from a peaceful protest or First Amendment expression," U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas said in a statement. "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."
Song's defense counsel argued he fired shots in self-defense, describing the bullet as "suppressive fire." Judge Mark Pittman, who presided over the trial, dismissed this claim. Relatives of the convicted defendants have argued that the sentences were excessively harsh and that no violence was intended.