Eight people who U.S. prosecutors say have ties to Antifa have collectively been sentenced to 450 years in prison for their roles in a riot outside an immigration detention centre in Texas.
A former U.S. Marine Corps reservist, convicted of attempted murder of a law‑enforcement officer, was handed 100 years in prison. The other defendants received sentences between 30 and 70 years.
Last year President Donald Trump designated Antifa as a "domestic terrorist organisation," a move that has intensified federal scrutiny of anti‑fascist activism.
A U.S. judge described the July 4th violence as an "assault on democracy," while families of the defendants have criticised the harshness of the sentences.
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche condemned the attacks, stating, "The sentences handed down today make clear that Antifa terrorists who attack law‑enforcement and federal facilities will face swift and uncompromising justice."
The Department of Justice reports that the North Texas Antifa Cell fired off fireworks at the Prairieland facility on Independence Day, vandalised vehicles and a guard kiosk, and used firearms. Images of exploding fireworks were captured by surveillance cameras.
Defendants were convicted of rioting, weapons use, providing material support to terrorists, and obstruction, and the group is alleged to have been part of a network that promotes overthrow of the U.S. government and law‑enforcement institutions.
Benjamin Hanil Song, identified as the leader, received 100 years in prison with a minimum of 20. Song claimed he fired at an officer to prevent the officer from shooting a protester. His mother disputes the claim and says he did not intend to harm anyone.
Maricela Rueda received 70 years; Cameron Arnold (Autumn Hill), Savanna Batten, Zachary Evetts, Bradford Morris (Meagan Morris) and Elizabeth Soto each received 50 years; and Daniel Rolando Sanchez‑Estrada received 30 years. A ninth defendant, Ines Soto, will be sentenced on July 1, with seven others who pleaded guilty on the same charge expected to be sentenced on the same date.
Critics argue that Antifa is an ideology rather than a cohesive organization, and that charging people for that stance is questionable. The Prairieland facility has otherwise been relatively peaceful, and some attendees believed the event was intended to be a noise demonstration without violence.
