Verdict Reached in Trial of Nine Defendants Accused of Ambush Attack on North Texas ICE Detention Facility
A verdict has been reached in the trial of nine individuals accused of an "ambush" attack on a North Texas ICE detention facility in 2025. This case is significant as it is the first federal indictment involving Antifa-related domestic terrorism charges. The verdict was announced outside the federal courthouse in Fort Worth after a day and a half of deliberation by the jurors. FOX 4 is awaiting details on the specific charges for each of the nine defendants.
The trial involved multiple weeks of testimony, with closing arguments heard on Wednesday afternoon. The jury began deliberating on Thursday morning, tasked with determining the guilt or innocence of each defendant on various charges. The judge instructed jurors to disregard certain evidence that was not properly entered and provided to them. Despite requests to review physical evidence and testimony transcripts, the jury's request was denied.
The nine defendants, including Daniel Estrada, Ines Soto, Elizabeth Soto, Maricela Rueda, Bradford Morris, Savanna Batten, Benjamin Song, Zachary Evetts, and Cameron Arnold, are facing charges related to the events outside the Prairieland ICE Detention Facility in Alvarado, Texas. The allegations include igniting fireworks, damaging buildings and vehicles, and firing upon federal officers. Lt. Thomas Gross of the Alvarado Police Department was shot in the neck during the incident but survived his injuries.
Prosecutors claim that the attack was orchestrated as an ambush by Benjamin Song, who is also charged with attempted murder for shooting Lt. Gross. Song allegedly evaded capture for a night before being apprehended about a week later. Defense attorneys argue that there was no intention of violence and that the defendants planned a peaceful protest to support immigration detainees.
In conclusion, the trial of the nine defendants accused of the 2025 attack on the North Texas ICE detention facility has concluded with a verdict. The case, involving Antifa-related domestic terrorism charges, marks a significant legal milestone. The jury deliberated for a day and a half before reaching a decision on the various charges faced by each defendant. The outcome of the trial will have implications for future cases involving similar allegations.