Federal Jury Convicts Anti-ICE Protesters on Terrorism Charges for "Black Bloc" Attire

A federal jury has delivered a mixed verdict in the trial of nine individuals involved in a chaotic protest outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility last July, convicting eight defendants on terrorism charges. This outcome marks a significant development as the Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on left-wing groups, with the FBI previously designating "antifa" as a major domestic terror threat. The convictions, particularly for material support of terrorism based on wearing all-black clothing, could embolden prosecutors to pursue similar charges in future demonstrations.

The trial centered on a July 4, 2025, nighttime protest at the Prairieland Detention Facility, where demonstrators reportedly used fireworks and spray-painted vehicles. Prosecutors highlighted the "black bloc" attire worn by many protesters as a tactic that facilitated the shooting of a police officer, a key element in the material support for terrorism convictions. Benjamin Song, one of the defendants, was found guilty of attempted murder for shooting an officer with an AR-15 and faces a potential life sentence.

While Song was convicted of attempted murder, four other defendants accused of similar charges were acquitted. However, eight individuals, including Song, were convicted of material support for terrorism for wearing black clothing to the demonstration, facing up to 15 years in prison. This prosecution represents the federal government's initial application of material support charges against alleged antifa members in a domestic terrorism context, setting a potential precedent for future protest-related cases.