Witness testimonies detail night of Prairieland ICE facility shooting in federal trial

Defendants accused of being part of a "North Texas Antifa cell" that attacked the ICE facility, setting off fireworks, vandalizing property, and shooting at police officers.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The eighth day of the federal trial for the alleged attack on the Prairieland detention center in Alvarado last July featured witness testimonies detailing the events of that night. Lynette Sharp described getting messages from Benjamin Song, who said he was alive and uncaptured, and driving to pick him up after he had spent almost 24 hours hiding in the brush near the facility. Sharp said Song told her he panicked and shot at a police officer, whose gun had jammed. Another witness, Seth Sikes, also pleaded guilty to providing material support for terrorism and described the events of the night, including seeing fireworks and spray painting in the employee parking lot before the police arrived and the shooting started.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions and clashes between law enforcement, immigration authorities, and activist groups protesting the treatment of immigrants and detainees. The federal charges against the defendants, including attempted murder and aiding terrorists, have been criticized by supporters as an overreaction, while authorities argue the defendants' actions put lives at risk and caused significant property damage.

The details

Nine men and women are on trial, facing a variety of federal charges, accused of being part of a "North Texas Antifa cell" that attacked the ICE facility, setting off fireworks, vandalizing property, and shooting at police officers who responded. One officer was struck in the neck with a bullet and survived. Charges include attempted murder, aiding terrorists and weapons charges.

  • The attack on the Prairieland detention center in Alvarado occurred last July.
  • The federal trial for the alleged attack is currently underway, with the eighth day of testimony featured in this report.

The players

Lynette Sharp

A witness who described driving to pick up Benjamin Song after he had spent almost 24 hours hiding near the Prairieland facility, and said Song told her he panicked and shot at a police officer.

Benjamin Song

One of the defendants, who allegedly shot at a police officer during the attack on the Prairieland detention center.

Seth Sikes

A witness who has pleaded guilty to providing material support for terrorism and described the events of the night, including seeing fireworks and spray painting in the employee parking lot before the police arrived and the shooting started.

Zachary Evetts

One of the defendants, who allegedly vandalized property in the employee parking lot with Nathan Baumann.

Nathan Baumann

One of the defendants, who allegedly vandalized property in the employee parking lot with Zachary Evetts and is expected to testify.

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What they’re saying

“And then I shot him.”

— Benjamin Song (Lynette Sharp's account)

“Get to the rifles.”

— Benjamin Song (Seth Sikes' account)

“Something has gone horrifically wrong.”

— Seth Sikes (Seth Sikes' account)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions and clashes between law enforcement, immigration authorities, and activist groups protesting the treatment of immigrants and detainees, raising questions about the government's response and the defendants' motivations.