Justice Department indicts 15 anti-ICE suspects linked to Antifa in Minnesota
The Department of Justice has filed charges against 15 anti-ICE activists in Minnesota, alleging connections to Antifa and their role in organizing violent protests. Federal prosecutors provided details on how these individuals supposedly trained and supported their peers.
On Tuesday, eight protesters, identified by the Justice Department as having affiliations with the far-left Antifa network, received decades-long sentences in federal prison for an ambush that occurred on July 4, 2025, outside a North Texas immigration detention facility.
Benjamin Song, a former Marine reservist convicted of attempted murder in the shooting death of Alvarado police Lt. Thomas Gross, was sentenced to as much as 100 years in prison. Seven other defendants, including Autumn Hill and Savannah Batten, were sentenced to between 30 and 70 years, with each receiving 50 years.
During the sentencing, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor characterized the incident as an “attack on democracy” rather than a protest.
Prosecutor Frank Gatto urged for harsher penalties, citing the extremists’ belief that violence is justifiable. These substantial sentences were handed down following a federal jury trial in Fort Worth, where the defendants were convicted of various charges, including providing material support to terrorists and conspiracy to use explosives.
The ambush on the Prairieland ICE Detention Center involved the use of fireworks, gunfire directed at officers, and damage to nearby vehicles and structures.
Despite the convictions, Song and his family maintain that they were merely protesting in support of migrants, without any connection to Antifa. His attorney, Philip Hayes, claimed that Song was only firing “suppressing fire,” arguing that an officer had drawn his weapon aggressively prior to being struck by a ricocheting bullet.
Hayes also expressed intentions to appeal, stating that “except for this day, Mr. Song has led an impeccable life.” He described Song as a former Marine and an exemplary student, asserting that much of the good in Song’s character was overlooked during the proceedings.
The situation has drawn attention from the Trump administration, which aims to combat far-left militant groups, particularly with President Trump recently signing an executive order labeling Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization.
After the first conviction, Attorney General Pam Bondi indicated plans to “systematically dismantle Antifa.” Additionally, FBI official Kash Patel emphasized ongoing efforts to target and dismantle Antifa networks involved in attacking federal law enforcement agencies.
