Members of Antifa charged in attack on ICE facility in Texas

Federal Indictments Linked to July 4th Attack in Texas

The Justice Department revealed on Friday that nine members of an Antifa group have been indicted, while seven others face charges related to an incident involving an attempt to kill a Texas state trooper during an assault on an immigration detention facility last July.

This 12-count indictment names Cameron Arnold, a member of the North Texas Antifa Cell, along with Zachary Ebbets, Benjamin Song, Savannah Batten, Bradford Morris, Maricela Rueda, Elizabeth Soto, Ines Soto, and Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada for their involvement in the attack at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas.

Moreover, Nathan Bauman, Joy Gibson, Susan Kent, Rebecca Morgan, Lynette Sharp, and John Thomas have been charged with providing material support to terrorists. Seth Sykes was previously charged in October for similar offenses.

“Those who target law enforcement or use violence to advance anarchist agendas will face the full weight of the federal government,” stated FBI Director Kash Patel in a comment to Fox News Digital. “These individuals are classified as domestic terrorists, and under the current administration, we are committed to holding them accountable.”

The charges against the nine indicted members include inciting a riot aimed at committing violence, providing support to terrorists, conspiracy concerning the use and delivery of explosives, attempted murder of a police officer, and other related offenses.

“This marks the inaugural indictment in the United States targeting a group of violent Antifa cell members,” noted Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson.

These defendants are part of the North Texas Antifa Cell, which is believed to be linked to a larger extremist network that aims to undermine U.S. governmental and law enforcement structures.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi remarked on the seriousness of the situation, “Antifa is a terrorist organization, and today’s indictment is a pivotal moment for how we handle cases involving such groups.” She emphasized that under presidential direction, they would pursue Antifa similarly to how they deal with notorious gangs like MS-13.

According to federal prosecutors, the group reportedly rioted and attacked a detention facility that houses individuals awaiting deportation. Witnesses noted the attackers concealed their identities with black clothing as they arrived at the site, where they began firing and throwing fireworks, vandalizing vehicles and structures.

When local police responded to a 911 call from correctional officers, the situation escalated. One officer was shot in the neck after a command to disperse was issued, with Benjamin Song allegedly calling out instructions during the attack.

Song, often viewed as a leader within the Antifa cell, managed to escape initially but was later apprehended on July 15.

Reports indicate that members of Antifa acquired over 50 firearms in the Dallas-Fort Worth area prior to the assault.

To keep their plans under wraps, they utilized encrypted messaging apps that erased conversations automatically, carried out discussions with coded language, and restricted planning to a circle of trusted individuals.

Prior to the riot, the group carried out reconnaissance and discussed their intended materials for the attack, which included firearms and medical kits.