On the night of July 4, 2025, a violent and organized attack unfolded at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, a small town located about 28 miles south of Fort Worth. The incident, described by federal prosecutors as a "coordinated ambush," left an Alvarado police officer wounded by gunfire and resulted in the arrest of 12 suspects, including one still at large. Authorities say the attack was a brazen attempt to target Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and local law enforcement.
The Department of Justice announced that ten individuals were initially arrested and charged with attempted murder of federal officers in connection with the assault. The suspects, all dressed in black military-style clothing and equipped with body armor, two-way radios, and firearms including AR-style rifles, assembled outside the detention center shortly after 10:30 p.m. Their plan quickly escalated from vandalism to violence.
About ten minutes after gathering, two members of the group spray-painted graffiti on federal vehicles and a guard structure, emblazoning phrases such as "traitor" and "ICE Pig." Meanwhile, others launched fireworks toward the facility, creating chaos and drawing attention. The disturbance prompted correctional officers to call 911, summoning an Alvarado police officer to the scene.
According to federal prosecutors, as the officer arrived, one suspect concealed in nearby woods shot him in the neck. Another assailant, positioned across the street, fired 20 to 30 rounds at unarmed correctional officers who had stepped outside the facility. Despite being wounded, the officer returned fire and radioed for assistance. The officer was treated at a hospital and later released, with no other injuries reported among law enforcement personnel or detention center staff.
All ten suspects fled the scene but were apprehended soon after by law enforcement backup. One of those arrested, Bradford Morris, admitted his involvement, stating that he met some of the others online and had given them rides from Dallas to "make some noise." The other individuals identified include Cameron Arnold, Savannah Batten, Nathan Baumann, Zachary Evetts, Joy Gibson, Maricela Rueda, Seth Sikes, Elizabeth Soto, and Ines Soto.
Investigators uncovered that one of the attackers carried cell phones inside a "Faraday bag," a device used to block signals and prevent tracking. Authorities also found spray paint cans, flyers bearing slogans like "Fight ICE Terror with Class War" and "Free All Political Prisoners," and a flag emblazoned with "Resist Fascism-Fight Oligarchy." These items underscored the attackers' political motivations and their intent to disrupt law enforcement operations.
Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson was unequivocal about the severity of the incident, stating, "Make no mistake, this was not a peaceful protest. This was an ambush on federal and local law enforcement officers." She further warned that the Northern District of Texas would not tolerate the increasing trend of violence against law enforcement.
Adding to the complexity of the investigation, an 11th suspect, Daniel Rolando Sanchez Estrada, was arrested on July 8, 2025. Sanchez Estrada faces charges of tampering with evidence and conspiracy to tamper with evidence. Court documents reveal that Maricela Rueda, one of the initial ten suspects, called Sanchez Estrada from jail on July 6, instructing him to tow her vehicle from their Dallas home, believed to be a "staging location" for the attack. She also told him to "do whatever you need to do, move whatever you need to move at the house." Surveillance footage later showed Sanchez Estrada carrying boxes to a vehicle and dropping off a box containing handwritten training, tactics, and planning documents for civil unrest, which included anti-law enforcement, anti-government, and anti-Trump sentiments.
Sanchez Estrada, a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient who obtained a green card during the Biden administration, was arrested by Denton Police after being stopped for a felony traffic violation. His arrest came during the execution of a search warrant at an apartment complex in Denton, where the incriminating box was recovered.
The investigation also revealed a 12th suspect, Benjamin Hanil Song, a former U.S. Marine Corps reservist. Song has been charged with three counts of attempted murder of federal agents and three counts of discharging a firearm in relation to a violent crime. However, he remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous by the FBI.
The ten original suspects, all from North Texas, reportedly drove to the detention center with the intent to ambush officers. They used fireworks and vandalism as tactics to lure law enforcement personnel to the area before unleashing gunfire. The suspects left assault rifles and loaded magazines at the scene when they fled, highlighting the premeditated nature of the attack.
Following the arrests, the Alvarado City Council scheduled a closed-door meeting to discuss the incident, with the local police chief set to provide an update. The attack has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about escalating violence against law enforcement and immigration officers.
Each of the 12 suspects faces serious charges, including three counts of attempted murder of federal agents and three counts of discharging a firearm in connection with a crime of violence. If convicted, they could face a minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment.
This incident underscores the volatile intersection of immigration enforcement, political activism, and violent extremism. As the investigation continues, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to bring all perpetrators to justice and to prevent similar attacks in the future.
