Nine members of a North Texas Antifa Cell were convicted by a federal jury in Fort Worth for their involvement in the July 4, 2025, attack on the Prairieland ICE Detention Center, according to a Mar. 13 announcement from United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould. The convictions include charges of rioting, use of weapons and explosives, providing material support to terrorists, obstruction, and attempted murder of law enforcement officers.
The case is significant as it marks what officials describe as the nation’s first federal indictment targeting a coordinated group of Antifa cell members engaged in violent criminal activity. Authorities say the verdicts reflect ongoing efforts to address domestic terrorism and protect communities from organized threats.
During the 12-day trial that began on February 23, jurors heard testimony from more than 45 witnesses and reviewed over 210 exhibits. The nine defendants—Cameron Arnold (also known as Autunm Hill), Zachary Evetts, Benjamin Song, Savanna Batten, Bradford Morris (also known as Meagan Morris), Maricela Rueda, Elizabeth Soto, Ines Soto, and Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada—were found guilty on multiple counts. Seven others had previously pled guilty to providing material support to terrorists.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi said: “Antifa is a domestic terrorist organization that has been allowed to flourish in Democrat-led cities — not under President Trump. Today’s verdict on terrorism charges will not be the last as the Trump administration systematically dismantles Antifa and finally halts their violence on America’s streets.”
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould said: “These guilty verdicts and convictions rightly reflect the vicious, armed attack that these Antifa cell members planned and executed against law enforcement and detention center officers on the night of July 4 last year… 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.”
FBI Director Kash Patel added: “Today’s verdict shows the FBI remains committed to identifying, locating, and dismantling Antifa and its funding networks across the country. Acts of violence against our law enforcement partners will not be tolerated…”
According to evidence presented at trial, defendants dressed in dark clothing with head coverings intended to conceal their identities during an armed assault involving firearms and explosives at Prairieland Detention Center. Testimony indicated that Benjamin Song acted as a leader within the group by acquiring firearms for co-defendants and recruiting new members through gun range sessions.
Trial evidence also showed that after correctional officers called 911 during the attack, an Alvarado police officer was shot in the neck by Song while attempting to respond at the scene. Most defendants were arrested shortly after; Song was apprehended later after evading capture with assistance from others.
Sentencing hearings are pending before United States District Judge Mark Pittman. Song faces between twenty years and life imprisonment; other convicted defendants face sentences ranging from ten years up to sixty years or more depending on specific charges.
