The trial concerning the ambush at the Alvarado ICE detention facility continues to unfold, with key testimonies emerging. On Thursday, jurors heard from Lynette Sharp, an inmate who has entered a plea deal, detailing her involvement in assisting Benjamin Song, the alleged mastermind behind the July 4 attack, prior to his apprehension.
Sharp, who is facing a potential 15-year prison sentence but may receive leniency for her cooperation, testified that she aided Song by providing him with a disguise and transportation following the violent incident. She denied being affiliated with Antifa, stating that she only agreed to the plea deal under extreme duress and poor living conditions in jail. The trial features nine defendants who could each face life sentences if convicted.
Trial Testimony Insights
The defendants—Daniel Estrada, Ines Soto, Elizabeth Soto, Maricela Rueda, Bradford Morris, Savanna Batten, Benjamin Song, Zachary Evetts, and Cameron Arnold—are accused of attacking the Prairieland ICE Detention Center under Song’s direction. Allegations include that Song fired the shot that injured Alvarado Police Department Lieutenant Thomas Gross. After the attack, Song reportedly evaded capture for a week, hiding in nearby woods.
Defense attorneys have contested the notion of an ambush, describing the event as a planned noise demonstration intended to express support for immigration detainees.
Testimony Highlights
Dressed in an orange and white prison uniform, Sharp confirmed her friendship with the defendants. She recounted how she drove to a wooded area to assist Song after the attack, providing him with clothing and a wig before dropping him off at an apartment. During cross-examination, Sharp indicated that Song claimed to be the sole shooter involved in the incident but refrained from providing specific details when questioned.
When asked if she identifies as a member of Antifa, Sharp firmly responded, “No.” This was in reference to her earlier plea deal, which included an admission of adherence to an anti-government ideology. She explained that she felt pressured to cooperate with authorities in locating Song due to the harsh conditions she experienced in jail, including being placed in an area that made it difficult to rest.
Sharp’s sentencing is pending, with possibilities ranging up to 15 years in prison, although cooperation with the prosecution could lead to a reduced sentence. Meanwhile, several defendants in the trial face severe penalties if found guilty.
Proceedings Ahead
The trial is projected to last approximately three weeks, as it continues to draw significant attention. Key testimony has already included discussions about the alleged planning and execution of the attack, with witnesses detailing communications regarding weapons and escape routes via messaging apps. The prosecution has characterized the incident as a coordinated ambush, leading to what they assert is the first federal indictment related to alleged domestic terrorism charges associated with Antifa.
As the proceedings advance, the court will hear from additional witnesses, including those who have previously accepted plea deals and are slated to testify against the defendants. The outcome of this trial could set a precedent in how similar cases are handled across the nation.
