Leader of alleged North Texas Antifa cell gets 100 years for Texas ICE facility ambush

FORT WORTH, Texas - Federal judges on Tuesday handed down massive prison terms totaling nearly five centuries to eight members of a North Texas Antifa cell, including a 100-year sentence for the group's leader, following a historic domestic terrorism trial tied to a violent ambush at an immigration detention center.

U.S. District Judge Mark T. Pittman and Chief U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor finalized the sentences Tuesday morning in Fort Worth. The hearings come nearly a year after the group launched a coordinated, midnight assault on the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, on July 4, 2025.

Benjamin Hanil Song, 25, identified by federal prosecutors as the cell’s leader, received a 100-year federal prison sentence from Judge Pittman. Song was convicted in March of the attempted murder of an Alvarado police officer, whom he shot in the neck after shouting "get to the rifles!" during the ambush. He was also convicted of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and domestic terrorism offenses.

Five of Song’s co-defendants—Cameron Arnold (also known as Autumn Hill), Savanna Batten, Zachary Evetts, Bradford Morris (also known as Meagan Morris), and Elizabeth Soto—were each sentenced to 50 years in federal prison. All five were convicted in March of rioting, providing material support to terrorists, and using explosives during the attack.

Maricela Rueda received a 70-year prison sentence. In addition to the riot and terrorism counts, Rueda was convicted of conspiracy to conceal documents and objects to cover up her involvement in the shooting.

Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada was sentenced to 30 years in prison for corruptly concealing a document or record and conspiracy. Prosecutors proved Sanchez-Estrada attempted to hide a box containing the cell's insurrection planning materials, anti-government documents, and propaganda from a federal grand jury.

Ines Soto was granted a continuance and will be sentenced on July 1.

Seven others, Seth Sikes, Nathan Baumann, Joy Gibson, Susan Kent, Rebecca Morgan, Lynette Sharp, and John Thomas, pleaded guilty prior to trial to one count of providing material support to terrorists, and they will be sentenced on July 1.

The backstory:

Federal prosecutors proved at trial that the cell meticulously planned the Independence Day attack, acquiring more than 50 firearms and utilizing "black bloc" tactical gear, encrypted messaging apps, and Faraday bags to evade tracking. During the midnight raid, operatives threw explosives at the facility, vandalized property, and opened fire on arriving police, forcing unarmed correctional officers to scramble for cover.

With Tuesday's hearings, 16 individuals have now been sentenced in connection with the Prairieland plot, including seven co-conspirators who previously pleaded guilty to providing material support to terrorists. 

Continued Coverage

• Mixed verdict reached in North Texas ICE center Antifa terror attack trial
• Jury deliberates in North Texas ICE center ‘Antifa’ terror attack trial
• Closing arguments heard in Alvarado ICE facility ambush trial
• Prosecution expected to rest on Tuesday
• Fireworks used as 'dangerous explosives,' expert testifies
• Witness describes group's Antifa beliefs, helping alleged shooter hide
• Witness describes helping alleged shooter escape
• Defendants allegedly discussed guns, cameras & exit routes on Signal app
• Testimony focuses on "propaganda" evidence in suspects’ homes
• Witnesses, investigators testify on what happened
• Jurors view evidence, deputy body camera footage
• Jurors listen to 911 calls in Alvarado ICE facility ambush trial
• Attorneys give opening statements
• Alvarado ICE facility terrorism trial restarts following mistrial

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