Texas Case: First Federal Terrorism Charges Against Antifa Supporters

In Texas, five people have pleaded guilty to charges related to terrorism. These charges came after a shooting incident outside a detention center on July 4th. This is the first time the U.S. government has brought federal terrorism charges against people linked to Antifa.
By Newsroom | US News, Crime |

A legal precedent is being set in Texas as federal prosecutors pursue terrorism charges against individuals accused of supporting Antifa, a designation recently made by President Trump. This case marks the first time the U.S. government has brought federal terrorism charges specifically targeting members of this movement, raising significant questions about the scope and application of domestic terrorism laws. The proceedings center around an incident where a police officer was injured outside a federal immigration detention center, an event authorities link to a group they characterize as an Antifa cell.

The situation began to unfold on July 4th outside the Prairieland Detention Center near Dallas. Prosecutors allege that a group of about a dozen individuals initiated an attack, using fireworks and spray-painting property. The situation escalated when gunfire erupted, wounding a police officer and an unarmed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) correction officer. Court filings indicate that the group then fled the scene. Days later, a separate incident involved a man firing numerous rounds at a U.S. Border Patrol facility in McAllen, injuring another officer.

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First-Ever Federal Antifa Terrorism Trial Cleared to Proceed in Texas - 1

Five individuals have since pleaded guilty to charges described as terrorism-related, connected to the July incident. These pleas represent the initial judicial outcomes in this complex legal investigation.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated its first federal terrorism case within the administration's campaign against Antifa. This action follows President Trump's executive order designating Antifa as a "domestic terrorist organization." The legal strategy appears to focus on charging individuals with aiding and abetting acts of terrorism rather than directly supporting a formally recognized terrorist organization, as there is no specific federal statute for domestic terrorism comparable to those for foreign terrorism.

First-Ever Federal Antifa Terrorism Trial Cleared to Proceed in Texas - 2

  • Cameron Arnold and Zachary Evetts were among the first charged with providing support to terrorists for their alleged roles in the shooting incident at the immigration detention facility.

  • Autumn Hill and Zachary Evetts also faced additional terrorism-related offenses in connection with the event.

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The charges brought forth are described by prosecutors as material support to terrorism, a legal concept previously not applied to Antifa. FBI Director Kash Patel has publicly stated that these charges are the first of their kind in targeting Antifa.

Defense Arguments and Public Scrutiny

Defense attorneys have contested the charges, arguing that their clients are innocent and that the terrorism charges were politically motivated.

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  • Patrick McLain, lawyer for Zachary Evetts, has asserted his client's innocence and suggested the terrorism charges were added for political reasons.

  • Cody Cofer, lawyer for Cameron Arnold, expressed anticipation of defending his client at trial.

  • One defense argument suggests there was no intention of violence, as claimed by the lawyer for Evetts.

  • Meagan Morris, who was arrested after leaving the scene, stated she was playing a video game during the protest, indicating a potential disconnect between her presence and the alleged violent acts.

  • Amber Lowrey expressed surprise at her sister Savanna Batten's arrest, suggesting a lack of direct involvement in violent acts.

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The prosecution's approach has also drawn attention for potentially casting a wide net, with concerns that the inquiry might extend beyond those directly involved in violence to include individuals present at the same protests or those associated with supporting left-leaning groups.

The prosecution's framing of Antifa as a criminal "enterprise" has raised alarms among legal experts. Antifa is described not as a singular organization with a formal structure, but rather as a broad subculture of loosely affiliated groups and individuals who often confront far-right organizations.

First-Ever Federal Antifa Terrorism Trial Cleared to Proceed in Texas - 4

  • The DOJ's strategy is seen as a potential playbook for future cases against left-wing groups.

  • Concerns exist that the broad definition of Antifa could lead to the prosecution of individuals with only tangential connections to alleged acts of violence.

  • Legal analysts note the absence of a specific federal statute for domestic terrorism, which influences the legal framework for these charges.

As of November 20, 2025, five individuals have entered guilty pleas to terrorism-related charges connected to the events. These pleas represent a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings, signaling a partial resolution for some of the accused.

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  • The individuals pleaded guilty to charges linked to their alleged support of Antifa.

  • These pleas occurred in the context of the shooting incident that injured a police officer outside the Prairieland Detention Center.

Expert and Official Statements

  • FBI Director Kash Patel has emphasized the novelty of these charges, stating, "The charges in Texas are the first time a material support to terrorism charge has targeted Antifa."

  • Legal experts have expressed concerns about the broad interpretation of "enterprise" in relation to Antifa and the potential implications for free speech and association.

The legal proceedings stemming from the incident at the Prairieland Detention Center are unfolding as a landmark case. The charges, pleas, and defense arguments are all contributing to a complex legal narrative with far-reaching implications for the government's approach to domestic political movements and the application of terrorism statutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened in Texas?
On July 4th, a shooting happened outside a detention center. A police officer was hurt.
Q: Who was charged?
Five people linked to Antifa pleaded guilty to terrorism-related charges.
Q: Is this the first time?
Yes, this is the first time the U.S. government has used federal terrorism charges against Antifa supporters.
Q: What do the defense lawyers say?
Some lawyers say the charges are political and their clients are not guilty.
Q: What is Antifa?
Antifa is not one group but many people who often protest against far-right groups.