Texas court sentences eight activists to 30-100 years over 2025 ICE facility protest

A federal judge sentenced eight Texas activists to prison terms between 30 and 100 years this week in connection with a July 4, 2025 protest outside the Prairieland Detention Facility in Alvarado, Texas. The protest began with fireworks and messages broadcast in Spanish.

Several participants slashed tires on an ICE van, broke a security camera, and damaged a guard shack. When officers ordered the group to leave, some complied while others remained. One protester fired a rifle after an officer drew his weapon, striking the officer in the neck.

The officer testified that he spent three to four hours in the hospital. Benjamin Song, identified as the shooter, was convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to 100 years.

" Two defendants, Savanna Batten and Elizabeth Soto, arrived separately, left before the shooting, and each received 50-year sentences. Daniel Sanchez-Estrada, who did not attend the protest, was sentenced to 30 years for transporting a box of zines.

Judge Reed O'Connor stated that the sentences were intended to deter similar conduct.

Justice reported that seven additional defendants who pleaded guilty to providing material support to terrorists will be sentenced on July 1. Last week, prosecutors in Minnesota indicted 15 people on charges including conspiracy to impede a federal officer and destruction of federal property, alleging connections to the same network.

FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the agency continues to identify and dismantle Antifa networks and that additional cases are expected.