Federal Judge Declares Mistrial in Texas ICE Center Attack Case

Controversial T-shirt worn by defense attorney sparks debate over courtroom conduct and potential bias

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A federal judge in Fort Worth, Texas, declared a mistrial in the case against nine individuals accused of ambushing a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center. The unexpected turn stems from a T-shirt worn by one of the defense attorneys during jury selection, sparking debate about courtroom conduct and potential bias.

Why it matters

This mistrial raises questions about the boundaries of acceptable attire and expression in the courtroom, and highlights the increasing tension surrounding ICE facilities and the potential for politically motivated attacks. The case also marks the first time federal domestic terrorism charges have been used against individuals allegedly associated with the Antifa movement.

The details

U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman halted proceedings after discovering that attorney MarQuetta Clayton, representing defendant Maricela Rueda, was wearing a T-shirt under her blazer featuring images of civil rights icons Shirley Chisholm and Martin Luther King Jr. The judge reportedly learned of the shirt after Clayton had already questioned potential jurors for 22 minutes. The nine defendants face charges related to an alleged 'Antifa' ambush on the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, on July 4, 2025. Prosecutors allege the attack was a coordinated effort to harm ICE officers.

  • On July 4, 2025, the alleged ambush on the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas occurred.
  • On Tuesday, the federal judge declared a mistrial in the case.

The players

Judge Mark Pittman

A U.S. District Judge in Fort Worth, Texas who declared the mistrial in the case.

MarQuetta Clayton

A defense attorney representing defendant Maricela Rueda, who wore a controversial T-shirt during jury selection.

Maricela Rueda

One of the nine defendants accused of the alleged Antifa ambush on the ICE detention center.

Prairieland Detention Center

The ICE detention center in Alvarado, Texas that was allegedly attacked by the nine defendants.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that operates the Prairieland Detention Center, which was the target of the alleged ambush.

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What they’re saying

“I don't understand why in the world you would think that's appropriate.”

— Judge Mark Pittman, U.S. District Judge (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Jury selection will need to be restarted with a new pool of 130 potential jurors next Tuesday.

The takeaway

This mistrial highlights the increasing complexity and political polarization surrounding cases involving domestic terrorism charges, particularly those related to the Antifa movement and immigration enforcement. Judges and attorneys will likely face heightened scrutiny over courtroom conduct and the challenges of seating impartial juries in such cases.