Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., has drawn criticism for her response to the sentencing of individuals convicted in a 2025 attack on a Texas immigration facility, an incident described by federal prosecutors as an act of terrorism.
One defendant, Benjamin Song, a former Marine Corps reservist, received a 100-year prison sentence, the maximum penalty, for attempting to murder Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross. Seven other individuals, identified as part of an alleged North Texas antifa cell, received sentences ranging from 30 to 70 years. They were convicted on charges including providing material support to terrorists, conspiracy to use weapons and explosives, and rioting.
Tlaib, a member of "the Squad," posted on social media, "These sentences are a travesty and totally unjustified, but that’s the point." She added, "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, issued by President Donald Trump, which classified antifa as a "domestic terrorist organization."
The Texas trial marked the first instance where federal prosecutors successfully brought terrorism charges against individuals associated with the antifascist movement following Trump's memo and executive order. Tlaib further stated, "NSPM-7 is a grave threat to all of us and more bulls— ‘terrorism’ charges like these are coming."
Critics, including conservatives and commentators, argued that Tlaib's remarks appeared to excuse the actions of the defendants. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller criticized Tlaib for "defending antifa terrorists who tried to massacre state and federal law enforcement."
Evidence presented at the trial indicated that the defendants arrived at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado on July 4, 2025, armed with firearms and military-grade first aid kits, and wearing concealing clothing. Prosecutors stated the group vandalized property, including a security camera, and launched fireworks at the detention center. When officers responded, Song allegedly shouted "Get to the rifles!" before firing at Lt. Gross, who sustained a gunshot wound to the neck.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas stated, "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." He pledged to hold accountable those who perpetrate such violence and fund such groups.
Song's defense argued he acted in self-defense, terming the bullet "suppressive fire," but Judge Mark Pittman dismissed this claim. Relatives of the convicted defendants have argued that the sentences were excessively harsh and that their intent was not to cause violence.