ALVARADO, Texas -- Eight members of a North Texas Antifa cell have been sentenced following a federal jury trial tied to the July 4, 2025, attack on the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, where an Alvarado police officer was shot while responding to a reported disturbance involving armed suspects and explosives.

According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the defendants were convicted for their roles in what prosecutors described as a coordinated assault involving rioting, use of firearms and explosives, obstruction, and attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. Officials said the sentences total 450 years in federal prison.

Benjamin Hanil Song received a 100-year prison sentence after being convicted of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and related firearm offenses. The remaining defendants received sentences ranging from 30 to 70 years:

• Maricela Rueda – 70 years
• Cameron Arnold – 50 years
• Savanna Batten – 50 years
• Zachary Evetts – 50 years
• Bradford Morris – 50 years
• Elizabeth Soto – 50 years
• Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada – 30 years

U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas said the evidence presented at trial showed the group carried out a violent, planned attack on a federal detention facility and responding law enforcement personnel. Federal officials emphasized that the conduct went far beyond protected speech or protest activity.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel said investigators worked to identify and dismantle the network involved in the incident, while stressing continued efforts to investigate domestic violent extremism threats targeting law enforcement and federal facilities. Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) leadership also described the incident as a direct attack on officers and facility operations.

Prosecutors said the case was supported by testimony from dozens of witnesses, including the injured officer, responding personnel, cooperating defendants, and federal agents, along with more than 200 exhibits introduced at trial.

According to trial evidence cited by prosecutors, the defendants allegedly coordinated in advance using encrypted messaging platforms, conducted reconnaissance, and brought firearms, body armor, medical kits, and fireworks to the detention center. Authorities said participants used dark clothing and face coverings to conceal identities during the incident.

Court records and testimony presented at trial indicated that the group opened fire on responding officers after law enforcement arrived on scene. An Alvarado police officer was struck in the neck during the exchange. Officials said multiple suspects were arrested near the scene, while others were taken into custody later during the investigation.

The investigation was led by the FBI Dallas Field Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Texas Department of Public Safety, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Alvarado Police Department and Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.

Sentencing proceedings for additional defendants in the case are scheduled for July 1, 2026.