Eighteen Charged in Texas Over Alleged North Texas Antifa Cell Plot Against Detention Center
Eighteen people in Texas face terrorism-related charges linked to an alleged "North Texas antifa cell" accused of planning an attack on the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado. Of these, 15 defendants are charged with material support for terrorism, alongside additional state and federal counts including rioting, firearms, explosives, and attempted murder of a federal employee.
Prosecutors reported that during the July 4 protest, participants wore all-black clothing and masks, carried radios, and that two federal correctional officers were shot while a police officer suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds. An AR-15 equipped with a modified binary trigger was used in the shooting. Evidence presented includes left-wing zines and flyers, encrypted Signal group chats, and photographs taken during the protest. Prosecutors also assert that some participants conducted reconnaissance of the detention facility, mapping its perimeter and camera locations.
Authorities contend that the protesters formed a criminal enterprise, described as a "North Texas antifa cell," despite the fact that several defendants reportedly did not know each other. Six defendants have pled guilty to charges of providing material support for terrorists.
The opening indictment characterizes Antifa as a militant, revolutionary ideology aiming to overthrow the U.S. government. Prosecutors allege the group intended to destroy government property and shoot federal employees.
Legal experts have raised concerns that this case could be used to suppress left-wing activism and deter protests more broadly, noting the material-support statute may be applied without a direct link to a designated terrorist organization.
Amber Lowrey, speaking about her sister Savanna Batten—arrested during the July 4 protest and later named in the expanded terrorism charges—stated that Batten had no connection to Antifa.
The Northern District of Texas U.S. Attorney declined to comment on the case. Meanwhile, former Attorney General Pam Bondi tweeted that Antifa is a left-wing terrorist organization and will be prosecuted as such.
