Nine Texas protesters sentenced to decades for terrorism

Nine protesters convicted on terrorism charges for their roles in a violent demonstration at a Texas immigration detention center were sentenced to decades in federal prison on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. The sentences, ranging from 30 to 100 years, stem from a July 4, 2025, protest at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, that escalated into a shooting which wounded a police officer.

Benjamin Song, identified by prosecutors as the individual who fired the shot, received a 100-year sentence after being convicted of attempted murder and firearm charges. Maricela Rueda was sentenced to 70 years. Zachary Evetts, Autumn Hill, Savanna Batten, Meagan Morris, and Elizabeth Soto each received 50-year terms. Daniel Sanchez-Estrada, who was not present at the protest, was sentenced to 30 years for concealing documents following his wife's arrest.

The incident began as a demonstration showing solidarity with detained immigrants. According to trial evidence, some participants set off fireworks, vandalized vehicles, and damaged property at the facility. When Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross arrived and drew his weapon, Song fired an AR-15 from a wooded area, striking Gross in the...