9 Accused of Antifa Ties Face Trial in Texas for Violent ICE Protest

The government says the protesters were part of a heavily armed 'cell' of left-wing activists, one of whom was accused of shooting an officer.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Opening arguments are set to begin in a trial that will test the Trump administration's vow to prosecute antifa, a radical left-wing movement, as an organized, violent terrorist group. Nine defendants have pleaded not guilty to membership in what prosecutors described as a heavily armed antifa 'cell' that they say shot and wounded a police officer during an attack on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Alvarado, Texas, last summer.

Why it matters

The case is seen as an example of the administration's attempts to silence and punish dissent, with critics arguing the government is overreaching in its prosecution of the protesters as members of a terrorist organization, even though that designation does not exist under U.S. law.

The details

The episode unfolded on Independence Day last year when a group of about a dozen people arrived at the Prairieland Detention Center, some vandalizing the property and others setting off fireworks. One masked figure, identified as Benjamin Song, a former Marine reservist, allegedly stood watch with an AR-15-style rifle and opened fire on a police officer when he arrived, wounding him above the collarbone. Nine people were arrested that evening, and prosecutors say 11 guns were recovered.

  • The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on July 4, 2025.
  • Opening arguments in the trial are set to begin on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Benjamin Song

A former Marine reservist who prosecutors say was the masked figure who opened fire on a police officer with an AR-15-style rifle during the incident.

Lt. Thomas Gross

A police officer from the Alvarado Police Department who was shot and wounded above the collarbone when he arrived at the scene.

Judge Mark Pittman

A Trump appointee presiding over the trial, who has taken some unusual steps like questioning potential jurors himself and halting proceedings over a defense lawyer's T-shirt.

Gabrielle Koza

The mother-in-law of one of the defendants, who said the charges are excessive and the trial is being rushed.

MarQuetta Clayton

A defense lawyer whose T-shirt depicting civil rights leaders prompted the judge to call a mistrial.

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What they’re saying

“It's government overreach. The charges were excessive and the trial was being rushed.”

— Gabrielle Koza, Mother-in-law of one of the defendants

“Political views and sympathies have no place whatsoever in jury deliberations. Are you disgusted in how divided we are? I am.”

— Judge Mark Pittman

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Benjamin Song, the alleged shooter, out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the Trump administration's aggressive crackdown on left-wing protesters, with the government seeking to prosecute the defendants as members of a terrorist organization despite the lack of a domestic terrorism designation under U.S. law. The trial will test the limits of the government's ability to target dissent and political opposition.