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

Federal jury finds defendants guilty of providing material support to terrorists in attack on immigration facility

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:19am

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A federal jury in Dallas has convicted eight people on terrorism charges related to a shooting at a Texas immigration detention center last summer. Prosecutors tied the attack to the far-left antifa movement, though defense attorneys denied any antifa affiliations. One person was also found guilty of attempted murder for allegedly opening fire and wounding a police officer. The case is seen as a test of the government's ability to crack down on protests under the guise of fighting domestic terrorism.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the government's efforts to designate antifa as a domestic terrorist organization and the First Amendment rights of protesters. Critics argue the terrorism charges could have a chilling effect on constitutionally protected demonstrations, while the Justice Department claims it is necessary to halt antifa's "violence on America's streets."

The details

Prosecutors said the group brought firearms, first aid kits, and body armor to the protest outside the Prairieland Detention Center, which they characterized as evidence of a nefarious intent. They alleged that Benjamin Song, a former Marine reservist, yelled "get to the rifles" and opened fire, striking a police officer. Several other protesters were charged with attempted murder and discharging a firearm, though they were ultimately found not guilty. Defense attorneys denied there was any planned ambush and said protesters only brought guns for self-defense.

  • The shooting incident occurred on July 4 outside the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas.
  • The nearly three-week trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman concluded on March 14, 2026 with the convictions.

The players

Benjamin Song

A former U.S. Marine Corps reservist who prosecutors say opened fire and struck a police officer during the protest.

Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross

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

Pam Bondi

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

Kash Patel

The 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.

Suzanne Adely

The interim president of the National Lawyers Guild, a progressive legal group, who criticized the case as an attempt by the government to "criminalize constitutionally protected protests."

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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

“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

What’s next

The defendants convicted on terrorism charges are expected to be sentenced in the coming months, with potential prison terms of up to 15 years.

The takeaway

This high-profile case underscores the ongoing clash between the government's efforts to crack down on left-wing protest movements and the constitutional rights of citizens to engage in political demonstrations. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for how authorities respond to and prosecute future protests.