By MES Dispatch Staff
The Briefing
- Eight members of a North Texas Antifa cell were sentenced to a combined 450 years in federal prison for their roles in a July 4, 2025 coordinated attack on the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, where an officer was shot.
- Benjamin Hanil Song, identified as a leader, received a 100-year sentence for attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and firearm offenses; seven other defendants received sentences ranging from 30 to 70 years.
- Prosecutors presented evidence that the group used encrypted messaging platforms to coordinate in advance, conducted reconnaissance, and brought firearms, body armor, medical equipment, and explosives to the facility.
- An Alvarado police officer was struck in the neck during the exchange of gunfire; multiple suspects were arrested at the scene and others apprehended later during the investigation.
- The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and local law enforcement agencies led the investigation, supported by testimony from dozens of witnesses and more than 200 trial exhibits.
ALVARADO, TEXAS — A federal jury sentenced eight members of a North Texas Antifa cell June 25 to a combined 450 years in prison following convictions for a July 4, 2025 coordinated attack on the Prairieland Detention Center, during which an Alvarado police officer was shot.
Benjamin Hanil Song received the maximum 100-year sentence after conviction on attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and firearm offenses. The remaining seven defendants were sentenced as follows: Maricela Rueda, 70 years; Cameron Arnold, 50 years; Savanna Batten, 50 years; Zachary Evetts, 50 years; Bradford Morris, 50 years; Elizabeth Soto, 50 years; and Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada, 30 years.
Prosecutors described the July 4 incident as a violent, premeditated assault on a federal detention facility and responding law enforcement. The jury convicted the defendants of rioting, firearms offenses, explosives offenses, obstruction of justice, and attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.
According to trial evidence presented by prosecutors, the defendants coordinated the attack using encrypted messaging platforms and conducted advance reconnaissance of the detention center. Participants brought firearms, body armor, medical kits, and fireworks to the facility. Prosecutors characterized the fireworks as explosives used in the coordinated assault. Defendants wore dark clothing and face coverings to conceal their identities during the incident.
Law enforcement responded to a reported disturbance at the facility involving armed suspects. As officers arrived, the group opened fire on responding personnel. An Alvarado police officer was struck in the neck during the gunfire exchange. Multiple suspects were arrested near the scene, while others were taken into custody during the subsequent investigation.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas stated that evidence presented at trial demonstrated the group carried out a violent, planned attack on federal property and law enforcement personnel, emphasizing that the conduct extended far beyond protected speech or lawful protest activity.
The investigation was led by the FBI Dallas Field Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Alvarado Police Department, and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.
Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel stated that investigators worked to identify and dismantle the network involved in the attack, while highlighting continued federal efforts to investigate domestic violent extremism threats targeting law enforcement and federal facilities.
Prosecutors presented testimony from dozens of witnesses, including the injured officer, responding personnel, cooperating defendants, and federal agents, along with more than 200 exhibits introduced during trial.
Additional sentencing proceedings for other defendants in the case are scheduled for July 1, 2026.