8 people convicted over shooting at Texas immigration detention center

Jury finds group guilty of terrorism charges, attempted murder of police officer

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:06pm

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A federal jury in Texas has convicted eight people on terrorism charges over a shooting at an immigration detention facility last summer. Prosecutors tied the group to the far-left antifa movement, though defense lawyers argued they were simply organizing a 'noise demonstration' to support detained immigrants. One member of the group was also found guilty of attempted murder of a police officer who was shot in the neck during the incident.

Why it matters

The trial was closely watched as a test of the government's ability to prosecute protesters under terrorism laws, with critics arguing it could have wide-reaching effects on First Amendment rights. The case marks the first time material support to terrorism charges have been used against alleged antifa members in the U.S.

The details

Prosecutors said the group brought firearms, first aid kits, and body armor to the July 4 protest outside the Prairieland Detention Center near Dallas, signaling their intent for violence. They allege one defendant, Benjamin Song, yelled 'get to the rifles' and opened fire, striking a police officer who had just arrived on the scene. Though Song was the only one to open fire, several others were charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and discharging a firearm.

  • The shooting took place on July 4 last year outside the Prairieland Detention Center near Dallas.
  • The trial concluded on March 13, 2026, with the jury convicting 8 of the 9 defendants.
  • Sentencing for the convicted individuals is set for June 2026.

The players

Benjamin Song

The defendant who prosecutors say opened fire on police, wounding an officer in the neck.

Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross

The police officer who was shot in the shoulder and neck while responding to the scene.

Kash Patel

The FBI Director who called this the first time material support to terrorism charges have targeted alleged antifa members.

Shawn Smith

The prosecutor who argued the group's actions, including bringing firearms and body armor, signaled their intent for violence.

Blake Burns

A defense attorney who said the case is about the government trying to characterize protesters as terrorists.

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What they’re saying

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

— Shawn Smith, Prosecutor (nbcnews.com)

“This case has been overcharged from the beginning.”

— Phillip Hayes, Attorney for defendant Benjamin Song (nbcnews.com)

“That opposition is something that the government wants to squash so a case like this helps the government kind of see how far they can go in criminalizing constitutionally protected protests and also helps them kind of intimidate, increase the fear, hoping that folks in other cities then will think twice over protesting.”

— Suzanne Adely, Interim President, National Lawyers Guild (nbcnews.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on the sentences for the convicted individuals in June 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the government's efforts to crack down on protests by labeling them as terrorism, raising concerns about the limits of free speech and assembly rights. The outcome could set a precedent for how far authorities can go in prosecuting demonstrators, even those not directly involved in violence.