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

Federal 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 antifa. Nine people have pleaded not guilty to charges including providing material support to terrorists and attempted murder of a law officer. Lawyers for the accused say their clients were not antifa members but were instead taking part in a 'noise demonstration' to show support for immigrants inside the center.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between far-left groups like antifa and law enforcement, as well as the government's efforts to crack down on perceived domestic terrorism threats. The trial could set a precedent for how antifa-related activities are prosecuted in the future.

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 near Dallas and vandalized vehicles and a guard shed. When local officers responded, one person allegedly yelled 'get to the rifles' and opened fire, striking a police 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 could happen.

  • The shooting incident occurred on July 4, 2025.
  • The trial began on February 25, 2026.

The players

Benjamin Song

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

Savanna Batten

One of the defendants whose attorney claims she is not a member of antifa and was just part of a 'book club' that the government alleges is a recruiting ground for antifa.

Autumn Hill

One of the defendants whose attorney says she has a deep conviction for people she feels are marginalized, including immigrants, and left before the police arrived.

Lt. Thomas Gross

The police officer who was shot in the neck while responding to the incident at the detention center.

Shawn Smith

The federal prosecutor handling the case.

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What they’re saying

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

— Shawn Smith, Prosecutor (wbal.com)

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

— Chris Tolbert, Attorney for Savanna Batten (wbal.com)

“It was never supposed to come to this.”

— James Luster, Attorney for Autumn Hill (wbal.com)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between far-left groups like antifa and law enforcement, as well as the government's efforts to crack down on perceived domestic terrorism threats. The outcome of the trial could set a precedent for how antifa-related activities are prosecuted in the future.