Six anti-ICE protesters in Texas sentenced to 50-100 years on terrorism charges
On June 23, 2026, six anti-ICE protesters in Texas were sentenced to 50-100 years in prison for a July 2025 protest at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, where fireworks were set off, property vandalized, and a police officer was shot. The Trump administration used domestic terrorism charges, labeling the group an “antifa cell,” though defendants were linked to a left-wing book club. Defense lawyers plan to appeal, citing threats to First Amendment rights.
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In Texas, Protesting ICE Can Get You a Life Sentence
Eight defendants from the Prairieland immigration detention center protest in Texas received sentences ranging from 30 to 100 years in prison, totaling over 450 years. The protest on July 4, 2025, involved a noise demonstration with fireworks outside the Prairieland Detention Center. One defendant, Benjamin Song, was sentenced to 100 years for attempted murder after firing shots that grazed a police officer, though his defense claims the bullet was a ricochet. The sentences were enhanced under federal terrorism guidelines, and the trial faced criticism for irregularities including a dismissed jury pool and prohibition on self-defense arguments. The case is seen as a major Trump administration victory against left-wing activism.
Article | The NationIn Texas, Protesting ICE Can Get You a Life Sentence
The article reports on the sentencing of eight defendants from the Prairieland Detention Center protest in Texas, who received prison terms ranging from 30 to 100 years, totaling over four centuries. The protest on July 4, 2025, involved a noise demonstration with fireworks outside the ICE facility. One defendant, Benjamin Song, was sentenced to 100 years for attempted murder after a police officer was grazed by a bullet, though Song's defense claims it was a ricochet. The sentences were enhanced under federal terrorism guidelines, and critics argue the trial was politically motivated and procedurally irregular. The case is seen as a significant crackdown on left-wing activism under the Trump administration.
Article | The NationIn Texas, Protesting ICE Can Get You a Life Sentence
The article reports on the sentencing of eight defendants from the Prairieland Detention Center protest in north Texas, who received sentences ranging from 30 to 100 years—totaling 450 years—for a July 4, 2025 noise demonstration. The protest involved fireworks, spray-painting, and a disabled security camera. One incident involved shots fired, wounding a police officer. Federal prosecutors applied a 'terrorism enhancement,' and Judge Reed O'Conner ordered consecutive sentences. The defendants were convicted of providing material support for terrorism. Critics cite trial irregularities, including a dismissed jury pool and prohibition of self-defense arguments. The case is viewed as a political message against left-wing activism under the Trump administration.
Article | The NationSeven Anti-ICE Protesters Sentenced to Up to 100 Years in Texas Shooting Case
Two federal judges in Texas sentenced seven anti-ICE protesters to 50 to 100 years in prison for their roles in a July demonstration outside the Prairieland Detention Center, during which defendant Benjamin Song shot and wounded a police officer. Prosecutors secured terrorism convictions by framing the group as part of the decentralized antifa movement, though the defendants denied any connection. An eighth defendant not present at the protest received 30 years. The sentences, described as remarkably stiff and handed down by conservative judges, signal aggressive judicial treatment of ICE protesters with alleged antifa ties. President Trump had previously issued an executive order declaring antifa a domestic terrorist organization, a designation not recognized under U.S. law. Defense lawyers plan to appeal, and critics warn the convictions could broadly impact protest rights and First Amendment protections. Eight other defendants from the same incident are scheduled for sentencing on July 1.
TheWeek feedTexas Judges Sentence Anti-ICE Protesters to up to 100 Years for Shooting
Two federal judges in Texas sentenced seven anti-ICE protesters to 50 to 100 years in prison for a July 2023 protest outside the Prairieland Detention Center, where defendant Benjamin Song shot and wounded a police officer. Prosecutors secured terrorism convictions by portraying the group as part of antifa, though defendants denied antifa connections. An eighth defendant not present at the protest received 30 years. The sentences, imposed by conservative judges, are described as remarkably stiff and are being appealed. Critics warn the convictions could chill First Amendment free-speech rights. Eight additional defendants are scheduled for sentencing on July 1.
TheWeek feedSeven ICE protesters sentenced to up to 100 years in Texas shooting case
Two federal judges in Texas sentenced seven anti-ICE protesters to 50 to 100 years in prison for their roles in a July demonstration outside the Prairieland Detention Center. During the protest, defendant Benjamin Song shot and wounded a police officer. Prosecutors obtained terrorism convictions by portraying the group as part of the decentralized antifa movement, though the defendants denied antifa connections. An eighth defendant not present at the protest received 30 years. The sentences, imposed by staunchly conservative judges, are considered remarkably stiff. The case is described as the first domestic terrorism trial of alleged antifa cell members. Lawyers for the defendants announced they will appeal, while critics warn the convictions could chill First Amendment free-speech rights. Eight additional defendants from the same protest are scheduled for sentencing on July 1.
TheWeek feedAfter protests against detention center – 450 years in prison for 'antifa terrorists' in Texas
A Texas court sentenced eight demonstrators to a total of 450 years in prison for a 'terrorist attack' on an ICE immigration detention facility near Dallas. The leader, Benjamin S., received 100 years for attempting to murder a corrections officer by shooting him in the neck. Other defendants received 30 to 70 years for setting off fireworks during a July 4, 2025 protest and for providing material support to terrorists. These are the first verdicts since President Trump classified Antifa as a terrorist organization. Critics accuse the Trump administration of weaponizing the Justice Department against political opponents, while the acting attorney general praised the sentences as swift justice. The defense attorney described the group as young adults with big hearts who never intended harm.
Nachrichten - WELTAnti-ICE Protesters in Texas Sentenced to Decades in Prison on Terrorism Charges
On June 23, 2026, six anti-ICE protesters in Texas were sentenced to at least 50 years in prison on terrorism charges, with one receiving 70 years for providing material support to terrorists. The shooter who wounded a police officer during a July 4 protest at a detention center in Alvarado received 100 years for attempted murder. The case marked the first time federal prosecutors attempted to convict protesters against the Trump administration on domestic terrorism-related charges. The Trump administration claimed the activists were part of an 'antifa cell,' though most were connected through a local left-wing book club and gun group. The article frames this as a test of the administration's ability to crack down on dissent over immigration policies and warns that such prosecutions may continue.
The New RepublicAnti-ICE Protesters in Texas Sentenced to 50-100 Years on Terrorism Charges
On June 23, 2026, six anti-ICE protesters in Texas were sentenced to at least 50 years in prison on terrorism charges, marking the first time federal prosecutors used domestic terrorism charges against Trump administration protesters. The case stems from a July 4 incident at a detention center in Alvarado, Texas, where activists set off fireworks, vandalized cars, slashed tires, and broke a security camera. When a police officer arrived and drew his weapon, a protester shot him in the shoulder. Five protesters received 50-year sentences, one received 70 years for providing material support to terrorists, and the shooter was sentenced to 100 years for attempted murder. The Trump administration claimed the activists were part of an 'antifa cell,' though most were connected through a local left-wing book club and gun group. The case is seen as a test of the administration's ability to crack down on dissent over immigration policies.
The New Republic