Trial Set for Accused Antifa Organizer in Texas Detention Center Assault
Benjamin Hanil Song, believed to be an Antifa organizer linked to the armed incident at the Prairieland ICE Detention Center on July 4, 2025, is expected to take the stand on Tuesday. This trial in Fort Worth involves nine defendants facing serious federal charges, including attempted murder of a federal officer and providing material support to terrorists.
According to court documents, Song, identified as the alleged ringleader of the incident, will testify regarding the circumstances that led to the shooting of Officer Alvarado during the altercation.
The jury trial is being held at the historic Eldon B. Mahon Federal Courthouse, where the nine defendants are addressing their roles in what authorities claim was an “Antifa cell” operation in North Texas. The charges against them vary, encompassing attempted murder, illegal firearm use in a violent crime, rioting, and material support for terrorism.
Song was apprehended in Dallas after a search that lasted over ten days post-attack, culminating in the discovery of him hiding in an apartment complex by a joint team of law enforcement, including Texas Rangers and FBI agents.
Court filings indicate that Song, a former U.S. Marine Corps reservist, and others involved executed a coordinated attack that initiated with fireworks being set off at the facility. The group allegedly caused damage to vehicles outside before escalating to gunfire.
As law enforcement arrived at the detention center, attacks shifted from vandalism to violence. Officer Alvarado was shot in the neck shortly after responding to the incident, with court documents suggesting that between 20 to 30 shots were fired at the officers present.
Investigators discovered multiple spent shell casings at two separate locations outside the facility. Additionally, a Franklin Arms FAI-15 rifle was found discarded near the shooting site, along with another AR-15 located in a nearby wooded area. It is reported that Song purchased both rifles. Authorities also located a handgun and magazine left near the scene.
A follow-up investigation revealed that Song and the other accused had managed to obtain numerous firearms and tactical gear leading up to the riot on July 4. Digital evidence indicated that they had utilized a Signal chat group to plan the attack, which they referred to as an “Independence Day Party.”
Joining Song in the trial are defendants Savannah Batten, Cameron Arnold, Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada, Ines Soto, Elizabeth Soto, Maricela Rueda, Bradford Morris, and Zachary Ebbets.
