by A coordinated and violent assault on an ICE detention center in Texas on Independence Day has led to attempted murder charges against 10 individuals. One local police officer was shot in the neck during what authorities describe as a militarized ambush targeting federal law enforcement.
The July 4 attack occurred around 10:30 p.m. at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, a small town south of Fort Worth. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the group was armed, armored, and appeared intent on escalating beyond protest.
Key details from the DOJ and law enforcement:
- Suspects: Ten individuals—dressed in black military-style clothing and equipped with AR-style rifles, body armor, and two-way radios—were arrested.
- Graffiti & Fireworks: Before shots were fired, two suspects spray-painted the word “traitor” and “ICE Pig” on vehicles and structures; others launched fireworks at the facility.
- Gunfire:
- An Alvarado police officer responding to the scene was shot in the neck by a suspect hiding in nearby woods.
- Another suspect opened fire on unarmed correctional officers, discharging 20–30 rounds.
- Aftermath:
- All suspects fled but were captured shortly after, including one during a traffic stop.
- A Faraday bag, used to block phone signals, was recovered, along with anti-ICE flyers and a “Resist Fascism” flag.
- Suspects Identified:
- Cameron Arnold
- Savannah Batten
- Nathan Baumann
- Zachary Evetts
- Joy Gibson
- Maricela Rueda
- Seth Sikes
- Elizabeth Soto
- Ines Soto
- Bradford Morris (allegedly admitted driving others to the site to “make some noise”)
Charges and Penalties:
- Each defendant faces:
- Three counts of attempted murder of federal officers
- Three counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence
- If convicted, they face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison.
Federal response:
“This was not a peaceful protest,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson. “This was an ambush on federal and local law enforcement officers.”
The officer shot was treated and released from the hospital. No other injuries to law enforcement or detention center staff were reported.
