Alleged North Texas Antifa Cell Faces Federal Charges for Prairieland ICE Facility Attack

Final key witnesses testify in federal trial over July 2025 incident that left one officer injured

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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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" that allegedly attacked the Prairieland ICE detention center in Alvarado, Texas last July. Prosecutors say the group set off fireworks, vandalized property, and shot at police officers who responded, leaving one officer wounded. The defendants and their supporters have called the charges outrageous, arguing they were simply protesting ICE. The trial has featured testimony from several cooperating witnesses, including Nathan Baumann, who admitted to participating in the vandalism and fireworks, and Susan Kent, who pleaded guilty to providing material support for terrorism for helping one of the defendants evade capture.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement, immigration activists, and far-left groups like antifa, with the government accusing the defendants of crossing the line from protest to domestic terrorism. The trial could set a precedent for how the justice system handles similar confrontations between authorities and anti-fascist protesters in the future.

The details

According to court documents, the group 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. Prosecutors have presented testimony from several cooperating witnesses, including Nathan Baumann, who admitted to participating in the vandalism and fireworks, and Susan Kent, who pleaded guilty to providing material support for terrorism for helping one of the defendants evade capture.

  • The incident occurred on July 4, 2025.
  • The federal trial for the nine defendants began in March 2026.

The players

Nathan Baumann

A witness who testified that he arrived at the protest, met up with others dressed in black, and participated in vandalizing vehicles and damaging surveillance cameras.

Susan Kent

A 24-year-old who pleaded guilty to providing material support for terrorism for helping one of the defendants evade capture after the incident.

John Thomas

A witness who was not involved in the planning or protest, but says he picked up one of the defendants the day after and helped him evade capture.

Kyle Shideler

An "antifa expert" who testified for the prosecution, describing antifa as a "united front" of various leftist ideologies operating under one umbrella.

Judge Mark Pittman

The federal judge presiding over the trial.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The government is expected to rest its case on Tuesday. The trial will then move to the defense's case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement, immigration activists, and far-left groups like antifa, with the government accusing the defendants of crossing the line from protest to domestic terrorism. The trial's outcome could set a precedent for how the justice system handles similar confrontations between authorities and anti-fascist protesters in the future.