Mixed Verdicts in Federal Trial of North Texas ICE Facility Attack

On Friday, jurors delivered mixed verdicts in the federal trial of nine individuals linked to an “ambush” on an ICE detention center in north Texas back in 2025.

The verdicts were announced around 2:30 p.m. at the federal courthouse in Fort Worth after the jury deliberated for about a day and a half. According to reports, Kash Patel commented that the guilty verdict underscores the FBI’s ongoing commitment to tracking down and dismantling ANTIFA networks.

“Thanks to the Dallas Field Office and our partners, justice has been served. If you attack federal law enforcement, the FBI will pursue you relentlessly,” he stated.

Among the defendants, Benjamin Song was found guilty of attempted murder, which is the most serious charge, regarding the death of Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross. Most of the remaining defendants were convicted of various serious charges, including providing material support to terrorists and conspiracy to use explosives during a riot.

Zachary Ebbets, Autumn Hill, Megan Morris, and Maricela Rueda were acquitted of multiple counts related to attempted murder. It’s interesting, though, that while Song was convicted on three firearm charges, he was found not guilty on two counts of attempted murder involving jail personnel.

Daniel Estrada, who wasn’t present during the incident, faced convictions for concealing evidence, while Rueda was also found guilty of conspiracy related to document concealment.

The attack occurred on July 4, 2025, outside the Prairieland ICE Detention Center, and involved gunfire, fireworks, and significant damage to property. Prosecutors alleged that the attack was planned by Song and executed by a group referred to as the North Texas Antifa cell.