8 accused of antifa ties convicted on terrorism charges over shooting at Texas immigration facility

Federal jury finds group guilty of terrorism, attempted murder charges in 2021 incident at Prairieland Detention Center

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:33pm

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A federal jury in Dallas has convicted eight people on terrorism charges over a shooting at a Texas immigration facility that prosecutors tied to the far-left antifa movement. The group was also found guilty of other charges, including attempted murder of a police officer who was wounded in the incident. The case is seen as a test of the government's ability to punish protesters, with defense lawyers arguing their clients were not antifa members and were simply organizing a 'noise demonstration' to support detained immigrants.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement, far-left activist groups, and the government's efforts to crack down on domestic extremism. The outcome could have wide-reaching effects on how protests are policed and prosecuted in the future, with critics arguing the government is overstepping in its attempts to criminalize constitutionally protected demonstrations.

The details

Prosecutors said the group brought firearms, first aid kits, and body armor to the July 4th protest outside the Prairieland Detention Center near Dallas, signaling their intent for violence. They allege defendant Benjamin Song yelled 'get to the rifles' and opened fire, striking a police officer in the shoulder and neck. Though Song was the one who fired the shots, several other protesters were charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and discharging a firearm, with prosecutors arguing the group's planning made the shooting foreseeable.

  • The incident occurred on July 4, 2021 outside the Prairieland Detention Center near Dallas.
  • The federal jury delivered its guilty verdicts on March 13, 2026.
  • Sentencing for the defendants is set for June 2026.

The players

Benjamin Song

A former U.S. Marine Corps reservist who prosecutors say opened fire on police, striking an officer in the shoulder and neck.

Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross

The police officer who was shot and wounded while responding to the incident at the detention center.

Shawn Smith

The federal prosecutor who argued the group's actions, including bringing firearms and wearing body armor, were signs of their intent to engage in violence, not a peaceful protest.

Blake Burns

A defense attorney who told jurors the case is about the government trying to characterize protesters as terrorists in order to put them in prison.

Phillip Hayes

The attorney for defendant Benjamin Song, who argued his client's shots were 'suppressive fire' and that the ricochet bullet is what hit the officer.

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What they’re saying

“This was not a peaceful protest, this was a direct action.”

— Shawn Smith, Federal Prosecutor (wral.com)

“This case has been overcharged from the beginning.”

— Phillip Hayes, Defense Attorney for Benjamin Song (wral.com)

“I felt like I was doing the right thing.”

— Seth Sikes (wral.com)

What’s next

Sentencing for the eight defendants convicted in the case is scheduled for June 2026.

The takeaway

This high-profile case tests the limits of the government's ability to prosecute protesters, with critics arguing it represents an overreach that could have a chilling effect on constitutionally protected demonstrations. The outcome will be closely watched for its potential impact on how law enforcement responds to and charges participants in future protests.