Eight people linked to the anti-fascist movement Antifa have been sentenced to a combined 450 years in prison for their roles in a violent protest outside a Texas immigration detention centre. The longest sentence, 100 years, was handed to Benjamin Hanil Song, a former US Marine whom prosecutors described as the group's leader.
Violent protest on Independence Day
The unrest occurred on 4 July 2025 outside the Prairieland detention facility south of Dallas. According to the US Department of Justice (DOJ), operatives from the North Texas Antifa Cell set off and threw fireworks at the site, vandalised vehicles, and damaged a guard kiosk. The eight defendants were convicted of offences including rioting, using weapons and explosives, providing material support to terrorists, and obstruction.
Sentences and key figures
Benjamin Hanil Song received the harshest penalty after being convicted of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. He faced a minimum of 20 years. In a written statement on Tuesday, Song said he fired his gun because he believed a police officer was preparing to shoot a protester, according to multiple media outlets and an advocacy group. His mother, Hope Song, disputed claims that he shot the officer and said he did not intend to hurt anyone, the Associated Press reported.
Maricela Rueda was sentenced to 70 years. Cameron Arnold (also known as Autumn Hill), Savanna Batten, Zachary Evetts, Bradford Morris (also known as Meagan Morris), and Elizabeth Soto each received 50 years. Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada was sentenced to 30 years.
Reactions and legal context
US Judge Amos Mazzant described the group's actions as “an assault on democracy.” Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement, “The sentences handed down today make clear that Antifa terrorists who attack law enforcement and federal facilities will face swift and uncompromising justice.”
Supporters of the defendants argued the punishments were unduly harsh. Some attendees said the protest was intended as a “noise demonstration” and not meant to involve violence. The defendants denied affiliation with Antifa and said they attended to support detained immigrants.
Antifa has long been a target of former President Donald Trump. In 2025, he signed an executive order designating the anti-fascist movement a “domestic terrorist organisation.” Critics argued that Antifa is an ideology rather than an organised group, and that subscribing to an ideology is not a crime.
A ninth defendant, Ines Soto, will be sentenced on 1 July. Seven others involved previously pleaded guilty to one count of providing material support to terrorists and will also be sentenced on the same date.
