Trial begins for group accused of antifa links in shooting at Texas immigration detention center

Federal prosecutors describe the defendants as antifa members intent on a 'violent attack' on the facility.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Federal prosecutors have opened a closely watched trial of nine people accused of being involved in a shooting outside a Texas immigration detention center last year. The prosecutors claim the defendants, who have pleaded not guilty, are members of antifa and carried out an attack on the Prairieland Detention Center near Dallas on July 4, 2025, which left a police officer wounded. The defense lawyers argue their clients were simply participating in a 'noise demonstration' to show support for immigrants inside the center and were not part of antifa.

Why it matters

This trial is significant as it is the first time a material support to terrorism charge has been used to target people the government has described as antifa members. The case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement, immigration activists, and far-left groups like antifa, as well as the government's efforts to crack down on perceived domestic terrorism threats.

The details

According to the indictment, a group of people clad in black and wearing masks, some carrying firearms and wearing body armor, shot fireworks toward the detention center and vandalized vehicles and a guard shed. When local officers responded, one person allegedly yelled 'get to the rifles' and opened fire, striking a police officer in the neck. Prosecutors say while Benjamin Song is accused of firing the shot that wounded the officer, several other defendants are also charged with attempted murder of a law officer and discharging a firearm because it was foreseeable that could happen given the group's planning.

  • The incident occurred on July 4, 2025.
  • The trial began on February 24, 2026.

The players

Benjamin Song

One of the nine defendants accused of being involved in the shooting outside the Texas immigration detention center.

Alvarado police Lt. Thomas Gross

The police officer who was shot in the neck and wounded during the incident.

Savanna Batten

One of the defendants whose attorney argues she is not a member of antifa and was simply attending a 'book club' gathering, not providing material support to terrorists.

Autumn Hill

One of the defendants whose attorney says she has a deep conviction for people she feels are marginalized, including immigrants, and left before the police arrived.

Shawn Smith

The federal prosecutor who told jurors the shooting was carried out by members of antifa.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Make no mistake, there's nothing peaceful about what happened on July Fourth.”

— Shawn Smith, Federal prosecutor

“She's not a member of antifa, she's not providing material support to terrorists.”

— Chris Tolbert, Attorney representing Savanna Batten

“It was never supposed to come to this.”

— James Luster, Attorney for defendant Autumn Hill

What’s next

The trial is expected to last upward of three weeks, and several defendants face up to life in prison if convicted.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement, immigration activists, and far-left groups like antifa, as well as the government's efforts to crack down on perceived domestic terrorism threats. The outcome of the trial will likely have significant implications for how such cases are handled in the future.