FORT WORTH, TX – Multiple individuals convicted on terrorism charges stemming from a July 4, 2025, shootout at the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado were sentenced to lengthy federal prison terms on Tuesday morning.
Leader Sentenced To 100 Years
The sentencing hearing took place on Tuesday, June 23, at a federal courthouse in Fort Worth. Benjamin Song, a former U.S. Marine Corps reservist identified as the organizer, was sentenced to 100 years in prison.
Federal prosecutors stated that during the incident, Song shouted “get to the rifles” and opened fire, wounding Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross. While Song’s defense attorney, Phillip Hayes, argued the shots were “suppressive fire” after the officer pulled his weapon, jurors ultimately convicted Song.
Heavy Sentences For Co-Defendants
Eight of the nine total defendants on trial faced charges of providing material support to terrorists. The federal judge handed down the following sentences:
- Maricela Rueda: Sentenced to 70 years.
- Savanna Batten, Zachary Evetts, Autumn Hill, Meagan Morris, and Elizabeth Soto: Each received 600 months (approximately 50 years).
- Daniel Estrada: Sentenced to 30 years for corruptly concealing documents and conspiracy.
The hearing for the ninth defendant was rescheduled for next week, where they face between 10 to 60 years.
The Domestic Terrorism Debate
The federal prosecution classified the case as domestic terrorism, alleging the group plotted the attack as antifa operatives to disrupt immigration and deportation operations. This marks the first time material support charges have targeted accused antifa members following a federal designation.
However, defense attorneys strongly denied any antifa affiliation, maintaining the event was an anti-immigration crackdown protest that began with fireworks before gunfire erupted.
Impact And Officer Testimony
Lt. Thomas Gross testified during the 12-day trial in March that he was responding to reports of vandalism when a suspect in all-black clothing shot him, with the bullet entering his shoulder and exiting his neck. Gross survived the attack.
Critics, including the National Lawyers Guild, have raised concerns over the case, arguing that the outcome could intimidate future activists and criminalize constitutionally protected protests.
