Federal Trial Begins for Texas ICE Facility Shooting

Nine defendants face charges including material support to terrorists and attempted murder of federal officers

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A federal trial has begun in the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas in Fort Worth regarding an incident on July 4, 2025, outside the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas. The defendants, allegedly members of a 'North Texas Antifa cell', are accused of firing fireworks, spray-painting graffiti, and damaging property at the ICE detention facility. When officers responded, gunfire ensued, and a police officer was shot in the neck.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and activist groups, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in responding to protests and demonstrations that turn violent. The trial will examine the line between lawful protest and domestic terrorism.

The details

Federal prosecutors have charged nine defendants with various crimes, including providing material support to terrorists, attempted murder of US government employees, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. The defense attorneys argue the meeting was intended as a 'noise demonstration' to express support for detainees, and deny the existence of an 'Antifa cell' in North Texas.

  • The incident occurred on July 4, 2025, outside the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas.
  • Criminal complaints were filed in July 2025 and a federal grand jury returned an indictment in October 2025, with superseding indictments in November and December.
  • The federal trial began on Tuesday, February 26, 2026.

The players

US Attorney's Office, Northern District of Texas

The US Attorney's Office announced the charges against the defendants in November 2025, alleging they were members of a 'North Texas Antifa cell'.

Prairieland Detention Center

A correctional facility in Alvarado, Texas that holds individuals in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Alvarado Police Officer

An officer who responded to the incident at the Prairieland Detention Center and was shot in the neck during the ensuing gunfire.

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What they’re saying

“Nowhere will you hear or see that they had planned a riot and nowhere is there evidence of the existence of an antifa cell in North Texas.”

— Defense Attorney

What’s next

The trial is expected to last more than three weeks, and several defendants face possible life sentences if convicted.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and activist groups, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in responding to protests that turn violent. The trial will examine the line between lawful protest and domestic terrorism.