9 on trial for alleged attack on Texas ICE facility

Defense and prosecution rest in federal trial for Prairieland ICE shooting

Mar. 11, 2026 at 1:52am

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Nine men and women are on trial, facing a variety of federal charges, accused of being part of a "North Texas antifa cell" for an alleged attack on the Prairieland ICE detention center in Alvarado, Texas last July. The prosecution has rested its case after calling 51 witnesses, while the defense has also rested following two and a half weeks of testimony.

Why it matters

The case highlights growing tensions between immigration enforcement and anti-ICE activist groups, with the government accusing the defendants of being part of an "antifa cell" and the defense arguing the charges are overblown and the defendants were simply protesting ICE's policies and practices.

The details

According to court documents, the group allegedly 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. Witnesses have admitted to helping set off fireworks, spray-painting employee vehicles and being present when surveillance cameras were damaged.

  • The alleged attack on the Prairieland ICE facility occurred last July.
  • The federal trial for the nine defendants began on March 1, 2026 and is now in its 11th day.

The players

Prairieland detention center

An ICE detention facility located in Alvarado, Texas that was allegedly attacked by the group of defendants.

Benjamin Song

One of the nine defendants accused of being part of the "North Texas antifa cell" and allegedly involved in the shooting at the Prairieland ICE facility.

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What’s next

Closing arguments for both sides will be heard on Wednesday, after which the jury will begin deliberations.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and anti-ICE activist groups, with the government accusing the defendants of being part of an "antifa cell" while the defense argues the charges are overblown and the defendants were simply protesting ICE's policies and practices.