Nine alleged members of a North Texas Antifa cell were indicted on Friday,
According to Fox News, seven additional suspects were charged in connection with the attempted murder of a Texas police officer during a violent July 4 attack on a federal immigration detention facility, the Justice Department announced.
Federal prosecutors say the group targeted the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, a facility housing illegal immigrants awaiting deportation.
The 12-count indictment names Cameron Arnold, Zachary Evetts, Benjamin Song, Savanna Batten, Bradford Morris, Maricela Rueda, Elizabeth Soto, Ines Soto, and Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada.
Charges include rioting with intent to commit violence, providing material support to terrorists, conspiracy to use and carry an explosive, using and carrying an explosive, attempted murder of officers, discharging a firearm during a violent crime, and conspiracy to conceal documents.
Seven others — Nathan Baumann, Joy Gibson, Susan Kent, Rebecca Morgan, Lynette Sharp, and John Thomas — were charged separately with providing material support to terrorists. Another defendant, Seth Sikes, had already been charged in late October.
“Anyone who targets law enforcement or uses violence to advance an anarchist agenda will face the full weight of the federal government,” FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News Digital. “These are domestic terrorists, and under President Trump’s leadership, we’re finding them and bringing them to justice.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson called the indictment “the first in the country against a group of violent Antifa cell members.” Prosecutors say the cell is part of a broader militant network seeking the overthrow of the U.S. government and law enforcement.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the charges represent a shift in how the Justice Department is combating Antifa. “Antifa is a terrorist organization and today’s guilty pleas — for violent assaults against law enforcement — mark a turning point,” Bondi said. “At President Trump’s direction, we are prosecuting Antifa like we prosecute groups such as Tren de Aragua and MS-13.”
According to prosecutors, 11 suspects stormed the detention center dressed in “black bloc” clothing that concealed their identities. They allegedly fired and threw fireworks at the building, vandalized vehicles, and damaged a guard shack on federal property.
When an Alvarado police officer responded, correctional officers were unarmed and taking cover. Prosecutors say Benjamin Song yelled “get to the rifles!” before opening fire, striking the officer in the neck. Song, described as the cell’s leader, fled but was arrested on July 15.
Authorities say the group had obtained more than 50 firearms in the Dallas–Fort Worth area ahead of the attack. Members allegedly used encrypted messaging apps with auto-delete functions, monikers to hide their identities, and limited-access planning chats. They also conducted reconnaissance and discussed bringing firearms, medical kits, and fireworks.
The nine indicted defendants are set to be arraigned in federal court on December 3.
