A federal judge has sentenced Benjamin Song, a former U.S. Marine Corps reservist, to 100 years in prison for his role in a violent attack on the Prairieland Immigration Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, where an Alvarado police lieutenant was shot in the neck during a July 4, 2025 confrontation.
The sentence, announced in Fort Worth, capped one of the highest-profile domestic extremism prosecutions pursued by the Justice Department during President Donald Trump's second term. Song, whom prosecutors described as the organizer of the operation, received the harshest punishment among eight defendants convicted in connection with the attack.
Federal authorities said the incident began as a protest outside the immigration detention facility but escalated into what prosecutors characterized as a coordinated assault. According to the Justice Department, participants fired weapons, launched fireworks and vandalized property while confronting law enforcement officers assigned to protect the site.
The officer who was struck in the neck survived the shooting. Prosecutors argued during trial that the attack posed a significant threat to both law enforcement personnel and civilians, leading to charges that included attempted murder, rioting, weapons offenses, obstruction and providing material support to terrorists.
Song's conviction became the centerpiece of the case. Prosecutors portrayed him as the leader of the group and alleged that several defendants were connected to what authorities described as a North Texas Antifa cell. The government argued that the violence was driven by anti-government ideology and hostility toward law enforcement institutions.
The sentencing reflected the severity with which federal officials viewed the attack:
- Benjamin Song: 100 years in prison
- Seven co-defendants: sentences ranging from 30 to 70 years
- Convictions included attempted murder, rioting, weapons offenses and related federal crimes
During sentencing proceedings, Song disputed the government's characterization of his actions. He told the court that he fired his weapon because he believed an officer was about to shoot an unarmed protester.
"I know I am the person being judged, but I also know that a case like this can become a warning to everyone else," Song said.
His family also challenged the prosecution's account. Hope Song, his mother, argued that her son never intended to seriously injure anyone and rejected allegations that he deliberately targeted the officer. Jurors ultimately sided with federal prosecutors, convicting him on attempted murder and other charges tied to the attack.
The case quickly became a flashpoint in the broader political debate over protest movements, domestic extremism and law enforcement. Defense attorneys argued that the prosecution was influenced by politics and announced plans to appeal both the convictions and the lengthy prison terms.
Outside the courthouse, supporters of several defendants criticized the penalties as excessive, noting that many effectively amount to life sentences. They argued that the defendants were being punished not only for criminal conduct but also for their political beliefs and associations.
Federal officials rejected those claims. Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche praised the outcome, saying the sentences demonstrate that attacks on law enforcement officers and federal facilities will be met with severe consequences. FBI Director Kash Patel also welcomed the verdicts, describing the case as part of the bureau's broader effort to combat politically motivated violence.
