Eight people convicted over a violent attack outside an immigration detention center in Texas have been sentenced to a combined 450 years in prison, with the longest individual term imposed on a former U.S. Marine Corps reservist found guilty of attempting to murder a law enforcement officer.
The sentences stem from a July 4, 2025, confrontation at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, south of Dallas, where prosecutors said a group linked to what they described as the North Texas Antifa Cell carried out a coordinated assault on the facility. One officer was shot during the incident.
Benjamin Hanil Song, whom federal prosecutors identified as the group’s leader, received a 100-year prison sentence after being convicted on multiple charges, including attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. The U.S. Department of Justice said the offenses carried a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years.
The remaining defendants received prison terms ranging from 30 to 70 years. Maricela Rueda was sentenced to 70 years. Cameron Arnold, also known as Autumn Hill; Savanna Batten; Zachary Evetts; Bradford Morris, also known as Meagan Morris; and Elizabeth Soto each received 50-year sentences. Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada was sentenced to 30 years.
Federal prosecutors said the group launched fireworks toward the detention facility, damaged government property including vehicles and a security kiosk, and used weapons and explosives during the attack. Court convictions included charges of rioting, providing material support to terrorists, obstruction, and weapons-related offenses.
During sentencing, the presiding judge characterized the events as “an assault on democracy.”
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said the penalties demonstrate that attacks targeting law enforcement officers and federal facilities would be met with severe criminal consequences. In a statement issued after sentencing, he condemned violent extremism and said those responsible would face firm enforcement of federal law.
Song maintained in a written statement presented during the proceedings that he fired his weapon because he believed an officer was preparing to shoot another protester, according to multiple media reports and an advocacy organization supporting the defendants. His mother has also disputed the government’s account, telling the Associated Press that her son did not intend to injure anyone and challenging claims that he deliberately shot the officer.
Supporters of those convicted argued the prison terms were excessively harsh. Some participants at the demonstration have said they believed the gathering was intended to be a nonviolent “noise demonstration” in support of immigrants being held at the detention center.
The defendants have denied belonging to Antifa, saying they attended the protest to express solidarity with detainees rather than as members of any organized movement.
Federal prosecutors, however, argued the North Texas Antifa Cell formed part of a broader network of individuals sharing an anti-government ideology that advocates the overthrow of U.S. governmental institutions, law enforcement, and the legal system.
The case has also renewed debate surrounding the federal government’s designation of Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. President Donald Trump signed an executive order last year applying that designation to the loosely organized anti-fascist movement.
Critics have challenged the classification, arguing that Antifa represents an ideological movement rather than a centralized organization with formal leadership or membership, and that holding anti-fascist political views alone does not constitute criminal conduct.
The legal proceedings are continuing for others charged in connection with the incident. A ninth defendant, Ines Soto, is scheduled to be sentenced on July 1. Seven additional defendants who previously pleaded guilty to providing material support to terrorists are also due to be sentenced the same day.
The Prairieland Detention Center had experienced relatively few major demonstrations before the July 4 attack, despite protests and visits by Democratic lawmakers at other immigration detention facilities across the United States. Federal authorities have not indicated whether additional arrests or charges are expected in connection with the investigation.
