Prairieland Detention Center Protest Leads to Record-Long Sentences

On June 23-24 2026, U.S. District Judges Reed O’Connor and Mark Pittman in Fort Worth sentenced nine defendants for a July 4 2025 demonstration at the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas. Benjamin Hanil Song received 100 years for attempted murder of Officer Lt. Thomas Gross and related terrorism, firearms and explosives offenses. Maricela Rueda got 70 years; Autumn Hill, Savanna Batten, Zachary Evetts, Meagan Morris and Elizabeth Soto each received 50 years. Daniel Sanchez-Estrada, who was not present, was given 30 years for corruptly concealing documents. Combined, the terms add up to 450 years.

The Intercept

The sentencing follows President Donald J. Trump’s September 2025 executive order designating “Antifa” a domestic terrorist organization and NSPM-7, which directs agencies to target left-wing activism. Prosecutors presented the defendants as a “North Texas Antifa Cell,” marking the case as the first antifa-related conviction.

Breitbart

The eight protesters convicted in March faced riot, material-support to terrorists and explosives charges; Song also faced attempted-murder and firearm counts. Sanchez-Estrada was convicted of conspiracy to conceal a document after moving a box of anti-government zines at his wife’s request. All but one defendant were found guilty on terrorism-related counts.

The Guardian

Combined sentences total 450 years; the longest term is 100 years, the shortest 30 years, exceeding penalties for the Jan 6 Capitol attack.

The Guardian

The Justice Department said the case shows that “Antifa terrorists who attack law enforcement and federal facilities will face swift and uncompromising justice.” The FBI emphasized its mission to “identify, locate, and dismantle Antifa.” Both judges called the protest an “assault on democracy” and stressed a high need for deterrence.

Al Jazeera (website)

Defense lawyer Christopher Weinbel argued that Sanchez-Estrada’s box contained only his own artwork, protected speech. The Freedom of the Press Foundation warned that criminalizing political literature “undermines press freedoms.” Professor Jenny Carroll noted that the judges’ focus on ideology could fuel appeals. Civil-rights groups and several elected officials called the sentences a “travesty” and a chilling threat to dissent.

Common Dreams

Prosecutors highlighted black clothing, Signal messages and anti-government zines as proof of a coordinated antifa plot. Judge Pittman questioned the need to mention antifa in jury instructions, and defense teams stressed that no formal antifa organization or direct link to the defendants was shown.

Trump’s courts hand down 450 years to outlaw anti-ICE protest – Struggle – La Lucha

• “The sentences handed down today make clear that antifa terrorists who attack law enforcement and federal facilities will face swift and uncompromising justice.” — Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General

Breitbart

• “I am a father, I am a husband, I am a teacher, a poet — I am many things, Your Honor, but I am not a terrorist,” — Daniel Sanchez-Estrada, defendant

The Intercept

• “the need to deter this type of conduct is high.” — Judge Reed O’Connor

Dallas Observer

• “When I went to protest on the night of July 4, it seemed more like a party to me than anything else,” — Autumn Hill, defendant

The Intercept

Defendants plan to appeal. Federal prosecutors have announced parallel cases in Minnesota and other jurisdictions under NSPM-7, while scholars anticipate further challenges to material-support statutes used against political expression.

Common Dreams