Eight Sentenced to 450 Years In Prison Over Texas Immigration Detention Centre Riot

Eight defendants linked to the loosely organised Antifa movement have been convicted of terrorism‑related offenses and handed a combined prison term of 450 years.

The charges stem from an event on 4 July that saw a crowd gather outside the Prairieland Detention Center, north of Dallas, to protest US immigration policies. Fireworks were thrown at the facility, a law enforcement officer was shot by one of the participants, and vehicles and a guard kiosk were vandalised.

US prosecutors describe the defendants as members of the "North Texas Antifa Cell," a network that allegedly promotes the overthrow of the US government and law enforcement. The group is considered a domestic terrorist organisation by the Department of Justice following an executive order by former President Donald Trump.

The convictions cover a range of charges, including riot, possession of weapons and explosives, providing material support to terrorists, and obstruction of justice. The sentences vary from 30 to 100 years, with the most heavily‑punished individual receiving 100 years for the attempted murder of a law‑enforcement officer.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the rulings “make clear that Antifa terrorists who attack law enforcement and federal facilities will face swift and uncompromising justice.” Families and supporters, however, have praised the lengths of the sentences as excessively harsh.

While other immigration facilities have seen protests and visits from lawmakers, Prairieland had previously been free of major disruptions. Some attendees claimed the event was meant to be a “noise demonstration” without violence, and the accused have denied any formal Antifa affiliation, insisting they were simply supporting detained immigrants.