8 Accused of Antifa Ties Convicted on Terrorism Charges Over Shooting at Texas Immigration Facility

Federal jury convicts 8 on terrorism charges, 1 on attempted murder, in attack tied to antifa at Prairieland Detention Center

Mar. 14, 2026 at 6:18am

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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 federal prosecutors tied to antifa, the decentralized far-left movement. One person was also found guilty of attempted murder after prosecutors say he opened fire last summer outside the Prairieland Detention Center, wounding a police officer. The Justice Department called the violence an attack plotted by antifa operatives, but defense attorneys denied any antifa associations, saying it was merely a demonstration with fireworks before gunshots broke out.

Why it matters

This case is seen as a test of the government's ability to punish protesters, with critics arguing the terrorism charges could have wide-reaching effects on constitutionally protected protests. The Trump administration has targeted antifa, designating it as a domestic terrorist organization, though there is no domestic equivalent to the State Department's list of foreign terror groups.

The details

The nearly three-week trial was presided over by U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman, a Trump appointee. Prosecutors argued the group's actions, including bringing firearms, first aid kits, and wearing body armor, signaled nefarious intent. Defense attorneys said there was no planned ambush and protesters only brought guns for their own protection. Benjamin Song, a former U.S. Marine Corps reservist, was accused of yelling "get to the rifles" and opening fire, striking a police officer. Though Song was the one who opened fire, several other protesters were charged with attempted murder of an officer and discharging a firearm, but were found not guilty.

  • The shooting incident occurred outside the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas on July 4.
  • The federal jury delivered its verdict on March 13, 2026.

The players

Mark Pittman

U.S. District Judge who presided over the nearly three-week trial in Fort Worth.

Kash Patel

FBI Director who said the case was the first time charges of providing material support to terrorists had targeted people accused of being antifa members.

Pam Bondi

U.S. Attorney General who said "Today's verdict on terrorism charges will not be the last as the Trump administration systematically dismantles Antifa and finally halts their violence on America's streets."

Benjamin Song

A former U.S. Marine Corps reservist who prosecutors say yelled "get to the rifles" and opened fire, striking a police officer.

Thomas Gross

Alvarado Police Lieutenant who was shot in the shoulder and neck while responding to the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Today's verdict on terrorism charges will not be the last as the Trump administration systematically dismantles Antifa and finally halts their violence on America's streets.”

— Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney General

“I can't believe jurors 'came to this conclusion.' I have deployed as a member of the Army several times in the defense of the U.S. and I'd hoped what I sacrificed 'meant something.' But I feel like it turned its back on justice with this. … The U.S. lost today with this verdict.”

— Christopher Weinbel, Attorney for defendant Daniel Sanchez Estrada

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow any of the defendants out on bail pending sentencing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the government's aggressive efforts to crack down on antifa and other left-wing protest movements, even when the connection to terrorism is tenuous. The outcome could have significant implications for the ability of activists to exercise their First Amendment rights to protest without fear of harsh criminal charges.