A federal judge handed down a century-long prison sentence to Benjamin Song, a former U.S. Marine Corps reservist, for his role in a violent assault on a North Texas immigration detention facility. The sentencing took place Tuesday, concluding a high-profile case that resulted in eight defendants receiving lengthy federal prison terms. Song had previously been convicted of attempted murder for shooting Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross during the July 4, 2025, incident at the Prairieland ICE detention center.
U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor issued the maximum possible sentence to Song while characterizing the episode as far more than a demonstration. The judge described the coordinated attack as “an assault on democracy,” rejecting any framing of the incident as a legitimate protest. Seven additional defendants received sentences ranging from 30 to 70 years behind bars for their participation in the ambush.
Severe sentences handed to all defendants in coordinated assault
Among those sentenced, Autumn Hill and Savanna Batten each received 50-year prison terms for their roles in the attack. The Justice Department had accused all eight defendants of having connections to the far-left network known as Antifa, specifically describing them as members of a North Texas cell. Prosecutor Frank Gatto urged the court to impose substantial penalties, arguing that the defendants harbor extremist ideologies and “believe violence is justified.”
The sentences followed a federal jury trial in Fort Worth where the defendants were convicted on multiple serious charges. The convictions included providing material support to terrorists, rioting, and conspiring to use and carry explosives. These charges marked the first Antifa-related terrorism prosecutions brought by the Department of Justice in connection with attacks on immigration enforcement facilities.
Details of the violent Independence Day ambush emerge
Federal authorities detailed the scope of the attack on the Prairieland ICE detention center, which occurred on Independence Day 2025. The assault involved multiple elements designed to cause harm and destruction:
- Fireworks deployed as weapons against officers and property
- Gunfire directed specifically at law enforcement personnel
- Significant damage inflicted on government vehicles
- Structural damage to detention center buildings
- Coordinated timing to maximize impact during a national holiday
The organized nature of the attack and the variety of weapons employed factored heavily into the prosecution’s case. Investigators presented evidence showing the defendants had planned the assault in advance, coordinating their actions to create maximum chaos and danger for federal officers and facility personnel.
Defense arguments and family denials rejected by court
Despite the overwhelming evidence and convictions, the defendants and their family members maintained they had no affiliation with Antifa. They claimed their actions were intended as a demonstration in support of detained immigrants rather than a terrorist attack. The court found these arguments unpersuasive given the violent nature of the assault and the weapons employed.
Song’s attorney, Phillip Hayes, attempted to minimize his client’s culpability by arguing he only provided “suppressive fire” during the incident. Hayes contended that Lt. Gross was struck by a ricocheted bullet after “aggressively” drawing his weapon. The defense lawyer emphasized Song’s background, stating, “Song, aside from this day, has had an impeccable life. A former Marine. A good student. He had a lot of good qualities that were just ignored. The judge went ahead and gave as much as he could.”
Hayes announced his client’s intention to appeal the maximum sentence. However, the judge’s comments during sentencing indicated little sympathy for the defendants’ claims, focusing instead on the gravity of attacking federal officers and facilities.
Trump administration prioritizes crackdown on far-left militant networks
The case has become a focal point for the Trump administration’s efforts to combat far-left militant organizations. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order formally designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, elevating the federal government’s ability to prosecute individuals associated with the network.
Following the initial guilty verdicts earlier in the process, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a strong statement declaring the administration’s commitment to action. Bondi stated that federal authorities will “systematically dismantle Antifa,” signaling a comprehensive approach to investigating and prosecuting individuals connected to the organization. The attorney general’s remarks underscored the Justice Department’s view that these groups pose a significant threat to public safety and democratic institutions.
FBI official Kash Patel emphasized the bureau’s round-the-clock commitment to hunting down networks that target federal law enforcement. Patel highlighted the agency’s 24/7 operations focused on dismantling Antifa cells and preventing future attacks on government facilities and personnel. The official’s warning served as a deterrent to others who might consider similar actions against federal officers or immigration enforcement facilities.
The lengthy sentences imposed on all eight defendants reflect both the severity of the attack and the federal government’s determination to prosecute political violence aggressively. Legal experts note that terrorism-related charges carry mandatory minimum sentences and allow judges to impose penalties far exceeding those for ordinary crimes. The 100-year sentence given to Song represents one of the harshest punishments handed down in recent domestic terrorism cases.
