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

Opening arguments begin in a case that will test the Trump administration's efforts to prosecute the left-wing movement as a terrorist group.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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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. Lawyers and family members of many of the accused say they were merely staging a demonstration and were not expecting violence.

Why it matters

The case is seen as an example of the Trump administration's attempts to silence and punish dissent, with the president signing an executive order declaring Antifa a domestic terrorist organization despite the lack of a legal designation. Critics argue the charges are an overreach, while prosecutors say the defendants were part of a violent plot.

The details

The episode unfolded on July 4 last year when a group of about a dozen people arrived at the Prairieland Detention Center, some vandalizing property and setting off fireworks. One masked figure, identified as Benjamin Song, a former Marine reservist, allegedly opened fire on a police officer who arrived on the scene, wounding him above the collarbone. Nine people were arrested that evening, and prosecutors say 11 guns were recovered, some purchased by Song.

  • The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on July 4, 2025.
  • Song evaded capture for 11 days after the incident.

The players

Benjamin Song

A former Marine reservist who prosecutors say was the masked figure who opened fire on a police officer, wounding him above the collarbone. Song allegedly purchased four of the 11 guns recovered by authorities.

Lt. Thomas Gross

An Alvarado Police Department officer who was shot and wounded by Song when he arrived on the scene.

Elm Fork John Brown Gun Club

A leftist group that some of the arrested individuals have been linked to, according to a report in the Texas Observer.

Socialist Rifle Association

Another leftist group that some of the arrested individuals have been linked to, according to a report in the Texas Observer.

Judge Mark Pittman

The Trump-appointed district judge presiding over the trial.

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What they’re saying

“They were there to bring hope for the detainees.”

— Patrick J. McLain, Defense lawyer

“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 has set strict time limits for the trial, giving each of the nine defendants eight minutes for opening arguments. The case will hinge on whether the government can show the participants expected or should have expected violence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the Trump administration's aggressive efforts to crack down on left-wing protesters and prosecute them as domestic terrorists, even as many similar cases have been dropped or downgraded. It raises concerns about government overreach and the potential silencing of dissent.