ALVARADO, TEXAS — Six individuals who pleaded guilty to charges related to a demonstration and shooting outside a Texas immigrant detention center are scheduled for sentencing on July 1, 2026. The convictions stemmed from terrorism-related charges.

During the protest outside the Prairieland Detention Center near Dallas on July 4, 2025, a police officer sustained a gunshot wound to the neck. Benjamin Song, a former U.S. Marine reservist, was convicted of attempted murder in connection with the shooting.

Six defendants pleaded guilty to providing material support to terrorists. Ines Soto was convicted of providing material support to terrorists, riot, and explosives. Soto faces a potential sentence of 60 years in prison. Soto's wife was also convicted; their attorneys stated that the couple arrived late to the protest and left when confronted by guards.

Prosecutors told jurors at trial that the group's actions, including bringing firearms, first aid kits and wearing body armor, signaled nefarious intent. However, attorneys for the protesters stated there was no planned ambush. They also asserted that any firearms brought to the demonstration were for the protesters' personal protection.

Attorneys for the protesters argued the gathering was planned as a late-night demonstration with fireworks to show support for immigrants detained inside the facility. One defendant testified at trial that he spray-painted a guard shack and vehicles in the parking lot. The U.S. Justice Department alleges the shooting was carried out by members of the leftist militant group antifa, an allegation which attorneys for the protesters have denied. U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor called the protest an "assault on democracy."