Former Marine Sentenced to 100 Years for Role in Ambush at ICE Detention Center

Eight individuals were sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in an ambush outside an immigration detention center in North Texas on July 4, 2025. Benjamin Song, a former U.S. Marine Corps reservist, received a 100-year sentence, the maximum penalty, for his role in the incident. The other defendants received sentences ranging from 30 to 70 years. During the sentencing, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor characterized the event as 'an assault on democracy.' Prosecutor Frank Gatto stated that the defendants held extremist beliefs and justified violence. The group was convicted of charges including providing material support to terrorists and rioting. The ambush involved gunfire directed at officers and damage to property. Despite the convictions, the defendants and their families denied ties to Antifa, claiming they were protesting in support of detained immigrants. Song's attorney indicated plans to appeal the sentence, asserting that Song acted in self-defense during the incident. This case has drawn attention from the Trump administration, which has focused on addressing far-left militant groups.