Government Alleges Protest of ICE Facility Was Left-Wing Terrorist Plot

First-ever trial against alleged 'antifa cell' in Texas could set precedent for cracking down on administration critics.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A group of nine people, including a middle school teacher, a college student, and two transgender women, are on trial in Fort Worth, Texas for their alleged involvement in a radical left-wing conspiracy and attack on an ICE detention facility. The government is arguing the protest was actually a domestic terrorism plot, while the defense claims the group was simply exercising their First Amendment rights through a 'noise demonstration' and legally-armed protest.

Why it matters

This case represents the government's first attempt to prosecute an alleged group of antifa protesters as 'domestic terrorists' who share an ideology bent on violence. The outcome could set a precedent for how the government cracks down on left-wing groups and protests in the future, even those engaged in constitutionally-protected activities.

The details

Prosecutors allege the group arrived at the Prairieland ICE detention facility dressed in 'black bloc' to avoid identification, spray-painted anti-police graffiti, slashed tires, destroyed a surveillance camera, and set off fireworks. When police arrived, one of the protesters, Benjamin Song, allegedly opened fire with an AR-15-style rifle, wounding a police officer. Several of the defendants were found to be armed and in possession of body armor, radios, and other equipment. The government is arguing the group was part of an organized antifa conspiracy, while the defense claims they were simply exercising their rights through a lawful protest.

  • On July 4, the alleged incident occurred outside the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas.
  • In November, the nine defendants were indicted by a grand jury on multiple charges including attempted murder of a police officer.
  • The trial began in late February 2026 and is currently ongoing.

The players

Shawn Smith

Assistant U.S. Attorney prosecuting the case.

Mark Pittman

District Judge appointed by President Donald Trump presiding over the trial.

Benjamin Song

Former Marine reservist alleged to be the leader of the group and the one who opened fire on the police officer.

Lynette Sharp

A 57-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to providing material support to terrorists and became a cooperating witness in the case.

Thomas Gross

Alvarado Police Lieutenant who was shot and wounded by Benjamin Song during the incident.

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What they’re saying

“There is a robust history going back to the Founding Fathers of folks printmaking contrary to the government, and there's nothing illegal about that, right?”

— Mark Pittman, District Judge

“She said they bring rifles in case there is violence. She said she felt 'disgust and betrayal' that a member of the group 'shot someone in cold blood.'”

— Tyler Williamson, Texas Ranger

“The real danger in this case is that when we go to a protest, like these protesters were gathered for a cause, we don't know everyone there and we're not responsible for what they do. And that shouldn't present a fear for me to participate and exercise my First Amendment rights.”

— Chris Tolbert, Attorney representing Savanna Batten

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow the defendants out on bail. The trial is still ongoing, with more testimony and evidence expected to be presented.

The takeaway

This high-profile case highlights the government's efforts to crack down on left-wing activism and protests, even those engaged in constitutionally-protected activities. The outcome could set a precedent for how authorities respond to future demonstrations and the extent to which they can label protesters as domestic terrorists.