Eight protesters accused by federal prosecutors of having ties to antifa were sentenced Tuesday to lengthy prison terms for their roles in a shooting outside a Texas immigration detention center, an incident that wounded a police officer and was described by the government as an act of domestic terrorism.
One defendant, a former U.S. Marine Corps reservist convicted of firing shots during a July 4 demonstration outside the Prairieland Detention Center near Dallas, received a 100-year federal prison sentence, the maximum penalty allowed under the charges. The remaining seven defendants were sentenced to terms ranging from 30 to 70 years.
Case
The shooting occurred during a nighttime protest at the detention facility, where demonstrators said they had gathered to oppose immigration detention policies. Prosecutors argued the group coordinated the attack and intended to use violence against law enforcement.
U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor, one of two judges overseeing the case, rejected arguments that the incident was a peaceful protest.
“What happened was not a protest,” O’Connor said during sentencing. “It was an assault on democracy.”
Prosecutors said one defendant, Benjamin Song, opened fire after allegedly shouting instructions to others. A police officer responding to the scene was struck and wounded shortly after arriving at the facility.
Sentences
Song’s attorney, Phillip Hayes, disputed the government’s version of events and said his client did not intend to harm anyone. Hayes argued that Song fired what he described as suppressive shots and that the officer was hit by a ricochet.
“He had an impeccable life prior to this,” Hayes said, noting Song’s military service and academic record. Hayes said the defense plans to appeal the 100-year sentence.
Family members and supporters of the defendants gathered outside the federal courthouse in Fort Worth following the sentencing, condemning the length of the prison terms. Hope Song, Benjamin Song’s mother, said she does not believe her son shot the officer and said he never intended for anyone to be injured.
Antifa Allegations
Prosecutors described the eight defendants as members or associates of antifa, a loose network of far-left activists that has been a focus of the Trump administration. Antifa is not a single organization but an umbrella term often used to describe militant groups that confront white supremacists and neo-Nazi movements.
The defendants have denied any affiliation with antifa and said they attended the demonstration in support of detained immigrants.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order last fall designating antifa a domestic terrorist organization, though there is no formal domestic equivalent to the State Department’s list of foreign terrorist groups.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Gatto urged the court to impose severe sentences, arguing that extremist beliefs justified longer prison terms.
“People with that kind of extremist beliefs need extra time in prison,” Gatto said in court.
Defense
Several defendants and their families asked the court for leniency, describing the gathering as informal and not intended to result in violence.
Autumn Hill told the court the event felt more like a celebration than a protest and said participants did not expect violence. Hill received a 50-year sentence.
Amber Lowrey spoke on behalf of her sister, Savanna Batten, also sentenced to 50 years, describing her as a compassionate person whose activism began with animal rights before expanding to human rights causes.
“She’s the best person I know,” Lowrey said.
Other defendants in the case pleaded guilty earlier to charges of providing material support to terrorists rather than going to trial.
Broader Impact
Civil liberties advocates have raised concerns about the implications of the case, warning that it could affect how protests are treated under federal law. Organizations operating within the United States are generally protected by First Amendment free speech rights, even when their views are controversial.
The case comes amid broader federal enforcement actions tied to immigration protests. Last week, prosecutors charged 15 people in Minnesota with interfering with immigration enforcement, alleging they coordinated blockades and damaged federal vehicles. Authorities again cited alleged antifa ties in those cases.
FAQs
How many people were sentenced?
Eight defendants were sentenced in the federal case.
What was the incident?
A shooting outside a Texas immigration detention center.
What was the longest sentence?
One defendant received a 100-year prison term.
Were the defendants linked to antifa?
Prosecutors allege ties, which the defendants deny.
Will the sentences be appealed?
Defense attorneys said appeals are planned.
