Trial Begins for Group Accused of Antifa Links in Texas Detention Center Shooting

Prosecutors claim the shooting was carried out by antifa members, while defense lawyers say the accused were just demonstrating in support of immigrants

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Federal prosecutors have opened a closely watched trial, alleging that a shooting outside a Texas immigration detention center last year was carried out by members of the antifa movement. Nine people have pleaded not guilty to charges including providing material support to terrorists and attempted murder of a law officer. The defense claims the accused were simply taking part in a 'noise demonstration' to show support for immigrants inside the center, and were not actually members of antifa.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around antifa and the government's efforts to designate the decentralized movement as a domestic terrorist organization. It also raises questions about the line between political protest and violence, and how the justice system should approach cases where the political motivations of the accused are central to the charges.

The details

According to the indictment, a group of people clad in black and wearing masks, some carrying firearms and wearing body armor, shot fireworks toward the Prairieland Detention Center and vandalized vehicles and a guard shed. When police responded, one person allegedly yelled 'get to the rifles' and opened fire, striking an officer in the neck. Prosecutors claim several defendants are also charged with attempted murder of a law officer and discharging a firearm because it was foreseeable that violence could occur. The defense argues their clients were not members of antifa and were simply demonstrating in support of immigrants.

  • The shooting occurred on July 4, 2025 around 11 p.m.
  • The trial began on February 25, 2026.

The players

Shawn Smith

Federal prosecutor in the case.

Benjamin Song

One of the defendants accused of opening fire on the officer.

Alvarado police Lt. Thomas Gross

The officer who was shot in the neck while responding to the incident.

Savanna Batten

One of the defendants, represented by attorney Chris Tolbert, who claims she is not a member of antifa and was just part of a book club.

Autumn Hill

One of the defendants, represented by attorney James Luster, who left before police arrived according to her lawyer.

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What they’re saying

“Make no mistake, there's nothing peaceful about what happened on July Fourth.”

— Shawn Smith, Federal prosecutor

“She's not a member of antifa, she's not providing material support to terrorists.”

— Chris Tolbert, Attorney for defendant Savanna Batten

“It was never supposed to come to this.”

— James Luster, Attorney for defendant Autumn Hill

What’s next

The trial is expected to last upward of three weeks, with several defendants facing up to life in prison if convicted.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the government's efforts to crack down on antifa and the defense's claims that the accused were simply engaged in political protest. The outcome could have significant implications for how the justice system approaches cases involving alleged antifa activity.