In a significant development in the ongoing trial related to the Alvarado ICE facility ambush, Susan Kent, a witness who has accepted a plea deal, provided testimony detailing her involvement in the events that transpired on July 4, 2025. Kent revealed that she assisted alleged mastermind Benjamin Song in evading capture following the attack.
During Friday’s proceedings, Kent was questioned about the ideological affiliations of the defendants, specifically regarding their connections to Antifa, which sparked a heated response from the defense attorneys. While Kent faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years as part of her plea agreement, her cooperation could lead to a reduced sentence. In contrast, several of the nine defendants on trial are facing sentences of up to life in prison.
The defendants—Daniel Estrada, Ines Soto, Elizabeth Soto, Maricela Rueda, Bradford Morris, Savanna Batten, Benjamin Song, Zachary Evetts, and Cameron Arnold—are accused of orchestrating an attack on the Prairieland ICE Detention Facility under Song’s alleged leadership. Authorities claim that Song fired the shot that injured Alvarado Police Department Lieutenant Thomas Gross and subsequently fled into nearby woods, remaining at large for about a week before his arrest.
Defense lawyers have contested the prosecution’s characterization of the incident, arguing that it was not an ambush but rather a planned noise demonstration aimed at drawing attention to the plight of immigration detainees.
Details from the Witness Stand
During the eighth day of trial testimony, Kent, who has also signed a plea deal to testify against the defendants, spoke about her actions in aiding those involved in the attack. She recounted how she helped Benjamin Song escape the wooded area where he spent the night after the incident, reading excerpts from the group’s Signal chat leading up to the event.
In her testimony, she quoted Song as saying, “It’s as easy a target as you can get. The guard shack is often unmanned,” and emphasized their intent to “make some noise” without engaging in dangerous activities, while also expressing a desire to avoid arrest.
When questioned by a U.S. attorney about which defendants she believed were associated with Antifa, Kent named several individuals, including Song. Under cross-examination, defense attorneys highlighted past interviews where Kent had sought clarification on Antifa’s beliefs, questioning her sudden ability to identify the defendants with the group. The judge intervened, reminding Kent of the legal implications of providing false testimony.
Looking Ahead
Kent’s sentencing is pending as part of her plea deal, with a maximum prison term of 15 years hanging over her. Meanwhile, the defendants on trial could face life sentences if found guilty. The trial is projected to continue for approximately three weeks.
The case has drawn attention due to its implications regarding domestic terrorism and allegations of Antifa involvement, marking it as a notable instance in the legal landscape concerning domestic extremism. Prosecutors maintain that the attack was premeditated and executed by a North Texas Antifa cell, making it the first federal indictment in the country linked to such charges.
As the trial progresses, additional witnesses, including five who have already accepted plea deals, are expected to provide further testimony regarding the events surrounding the ambush.
