Nine Convicted in 2025 'Ambush' Attack on Texas ICE Facility

Kash Patel warns FBI will 'hunt down' anyone attacking law enforcement

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:55am

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A federal jury in Fort Worth, Texas has convicted nine defendants for their roles in a 2025 'ambush' attack on an ICE detention facility in North Texas. The defendants were part of a North Texas 'Antifa cell' and were found guilty of charges including attempted murder, providing material support to terrorists, rioting, and using explosives during a riot.

Why it matters

The attack on the ICE facility highlighted growing concerns about extremist groups like Antifa and their willingness to use violence against government agencies and law enforcement. The convictions send a strong message that such attacks will be met with the full force of the justice system.

The details

During the 12-day trial, jurors heard testimony from over 45 witnesses and reviewed more than 210 exhibits related to the charges. Benjamin Song was convicted of the most serious charge - attempted murder - for shooting an Alvarado police lieutenant. All but one of the defendants were found guilty of providing material support to terrorists, rioting, conspiring to use explosives, and using explosives during a riot.

  • The attack occurred on July 4, 2025 outside the Prairieland ICE Detention Facility in Alvarado, Texas.
  • The federal trial began on February 23, 2026 and the jury delivered its verdict around 2:30 pm on Friday.

The players

Kash Patel

A former U.S. Department of Justice official who praised the FBI's efforts to identify and dismantle Antifa networks.

Pamela Bondi

The U.S. Attorney General who stated that Antifa is a 'domestic terrorist organization' that has been 'allowed to flourish in Democrat-led cities.'

Todd Lyons

The Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) who condemned the 'calculated, violent attack' on the Prairieland ICE facility.

Benjamin Song

One of the nine defendants convicted, who received the most serious charge of attempted murder for shooting a police lieutenant.

Daniel Estrada

The only defendant who was not found guilty of the main charges, but was convicted of concealing records and conspiracy to conceal documents.

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What they’re saying

“The guilty verdicts in today's case go to show this FBI's 24/7 commitment to identifying, locating, and dismantling ANTIFA members and their networks. If you attack federal law enforcement this FBI will use every resource at our disposal to hunt you down.”

— Kash Patel (Fox News Digital)

“Antifa is a domestic terrorist organization that has been allowed to flourish in Democrat-led cities — not under President Trump. 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.”

— Pamela Bondi, Attorney General (Statement)

“The calculated, violent attack at ICE's Prairieland facility was an abhorrent way for antifa terrorists to 'protest' the way this agency enforces the law — but these verdicts make clear that those who choose violence over lawful expression will face the full force of the American justice system.”

— Todd Lyons, ICE Director (Statement)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow one of the convicted defendants, Daniel Estrada, to be released on bail pending sentencing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the federal government's crackdown on extremist groups like Antifa, with the convictions sending a strong message that attacks on law enforcement and government facilities will be met with severe consequences. It also raises questions about the role of political ideology in fueling such violence and the need for a comprehensive strategy to address domestic terrorism.