DOJ Drops the Hammer on Antifa After Officer Shot in the Neck During ICE Facility Attack [WATCH]

Sixteen individuals linked to an Antifa-affiliated group face federal charges following a July 4 attack on the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, where a police officer was shot in the neck while responding to the incident.

The Justice Department announced the indictments and charges Friday, detailing a coordinated effort that investigators say involved weapons, explosives, and plans communicated through encrypted channels.

Under President Trump’s leadership with @TheJusticeDept @AGPamBondi the FBI and our partners are going after violent Antifa networks all over the country.

15+ individuals in Alvarado, Texas charged with multiple offenses including material support for terrorists – and we won’t… pic.twitter.com/Dm4UbhTbRI

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) November 15, 2025

Nine suspected members of a North Texas Antifa cell were indicted on 12 counts related to the attack.

Those indicted are Cameron Arnold, Zachary Evetts, Benjamin Song, Savanna Batten, Bradford Morris, Maricela Rueda, Elizabeth Soto, Ines Soto, and Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada.

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According to federal prosecutors, they face charges including rioting with intent to commit an act of violence, providing material support to terrorists, conspiracy to use and carry an explosive, using and carrying an explosive, attempted murder of officers, discharging a gun during and in relation to a crime of violence, corruptly concealing a document or record, and conspiracy to conceal documents.

Six additional suspects — Nathan Baumann, Joy Gibson, Susan Kent, Rebecca Morgan, Lynette Sharp, and John Thomas — were each charged with one count of providing material support to terrorists.

A 16th defendant, Seth Sikes, was charged in late October with one count of providing material support to terrorists.

FBI Director Kash Patel addressed the charges in a statement to Fox News Digital.

“Anyone who targets law enforcement or uses violence to advance an anarchist agenda will face the full weight of the federal government,” Patel said.

“These are domestic terrorists, and under President Trump’s leadership, we’re finding them and bringing them to justice.”

Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson noted the scope of the case, stating, “This is the first indictment in the country against a group of violent Antifa cell members.”

🚨🇺🇸ANTIFA CELL INDICTED FOR ICE FACILITY AMBUSH: NINE CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER

Federal prosecutors just dropped the hammer. Nine members of a North Texas Antifa cell indicted for the July 4 attack on Prairieland Detention Center.

They shot a police officer in the neck.… https://t.co/yqXpVmydAw pic.twitter.com/EQ5gpWf5OQ

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 15, 2025

Authorities said the suspects were part of a larger militant enterprise made up of small groups and networks advocating for the overthrow of the U.S. government and law enforcement.

Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News Digital, “Antifa is a terrorist organization, and today’s guilty pleas — for violent assaults against law enforcement — mark a turning point in how the Department of Justice is approaching Antifa cases.”

She added, “At President Trump’s direction, we are prosecuting Antifa like we prosecute groups such as Tren de Aragua and MS-13. Expect similar cases to come as we dismantle Antifa.”

Federal prosecutors said 11 of the suspects took part in the attack on the detention center, which was being used to house illegal aliens awaiting deportation.

They were dressed in “black bloc” clothing with face coverings intended to conceal their identities.

Investigators said the group allegedly fired and threw fireworks at the building, damaged vehicles, and vandalized a guard shack.

Correctional officers called 911 as the incident unfolded. An Alvarado police officer responded and was issuing commands to Baumann when, according to prosecutors, Song yelled, “Get to the rifles,” and opened fire.

The officer was struck in the neck while correctional officers ran for cover. Song fled the scene but was captured by law enforcement on July 15.

Federal prosecutors said the cell had allegedly acquired more than 50 guns in the Dallas and Fort Worth area prior to the attack.

To coordinate their actions, they used an encrypted messaging platform with auto-delete functions, which investigators say permanently removed communications between some participants.

Members allegedly used monikers in group chats and conducted reconnaissance while planning what equipment to bring, including firearms, fireworks, and medical kits.

The nine indicted defendants are scheduled to appear in federal court for arraignment on December 3.