Eight Sentenced to 450 Years in Anti-ICE Riot Case
Picture: Reuters
Eight people accused of ties to Antifa have been sentenced to a combined 450 years in prison for their roles in a riot outside an immigration detention center in Texas.
The US Department of Justice said one of the defendants, a former Marine reservist, received a 100-year sentence for attempting to kill a law enforcement officer. The remaining defendants were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 30 to 70 years.
Last year, President Donald Trump designated Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization.
The judge overseeing the case described the July 4, 2025, attack as an assault on democracy. Family members of the convicted defendants, however, criticized the lengthy sentences as excessive and unjust.
In a statement, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said, "Today's verdict makes clear that Antifa terrorists who attack law enforcement officers and federal facilities will not escape swift and severe justice."
According to the Justice Department, a group known as the North Texas Antifa Cell attacked the Prairieland Detention Center south of Dallas on Independence Day last year. Prosecutors said members of the group threw fireworks and explosive devices at the facility and vandalized vehicles and security checkpoints.
The defendants faced multiple charges, including rioting, using firearms and explosives, providing support to terrorists and obstructing justice.
Alleged group leader Benjamin Hanil Song was sentenced to 100 years in prison. Prosecutors said he faced a minimum sentence of 20 years under federal guidelines.
In a written statement, Song claimed he fired his weapon because he believed a police officer was about to shoot a protester.
His mother, Hope Song also disputed the prosecution's account, saying her son did not intend to harm anyone and denying that he shot a police officer.
Maricela Rueda was sentenced to 70 years in prison. Cameron Arnold, Savannah Batten, Zachary Evets, Bradford Morris and Elizabeth Soto each received 50-year sentences. Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada was sentenced to 30 years.
Sentencing for a ninth defendant, Ines Soto, is scheduled for July 1. Seven additional defendants who previously pleaded guilty are also expected to be sentenced that day.
The Justice Department said the North Texas Antifa Cell is part of a broader network that seeks to overthrow the US government, law enforcement institutions and the existing legal system.
Supporters of the defendants argued that the punishments are disproportionately harsh and inconsistent with the crimes committed.
Source: BBC (Adapted)
