A violent ambush on a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Alvarado, Texas, has shocked the nation and left one police officer injured. The incident, which took place on July 4th, has led to a sweeping manhunt and multiple federal charges against those involved.
What Happened at the Prairieland Detention Facility?
On the night of July 4, a group of at least 11 armed assailants—some wearing tactical gear and body armor—launched a coordinated attack on the Prairieland Detention Facility. The attackers fired dozens of rounds at law enforcement officers, set off fireworks, and vandalized vehicles parked at the facility. During the chaos, a local police officer was shot in the neck but has since been released from the hospital and is expected to recover.
Who Are the Suspects?
Authorities have arrested 10 of the suspects, who now face a range of serious charges, including attempted murder of a federal officer, terrorism, aggravated assault on a public servant, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime. The suspects, most of whom are from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, include:
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Cameron Arnold (aka Autumn Hill)
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Savannah Batten
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Nathan Baumann
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Zachary Evetts
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Joy Gibson
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Bradford Morris (aka Meagan Morris)
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Seth Sikes
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Elizabeth Soto
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Ines Soto
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Marciela Rueda
An 11th suspect, Daniel Rolando Sanchez Estrada, was arrested for conspiracy to tamper with evidence after allegedly trying to hide anti-government and anti-Trump documents. He is a Mexican national and former DACA recipient who received a green card in 2024.
The Manhunt for Benjamin Hanil Song
The search continues for Benjamin Hanil Song, a 32-year-old former U.S. Marine Corps reservist, who is believed to have played a key role in the attack. Song allegedly purchased several of the firearms used, including two AR-15-style rifles, and is accused of opening fire on officers during the ambush. He has been added to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List, and both the FBI and Texas authorities are offering a combined $35,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
A Blue Alert—a public safety notification system used when a law enforcement officer is seriously injured or killed—was issued across Texas to help locate Song, who is considered armed and dangerous.
Motive and Broader Context
The attack appears to have been politically motivated, coinciding with nationwide protests against immigration enforcement policies. Authorities found “insurrectionist propaganda” at one suspect’s home, and the group’s actions were described as an escalation in politically-motivated violence targeting law enforcement and federal facilities.
ICE officials have reported a 700% increase in assaults on their personnel in recent months, as activists and agitators ramp up efforts to disrupt operations.
Official Response
Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons condemned the attack, stating, “This escalation in violence is incomprehensible, and those responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” He thanked the Alvarado Police Department and other agencies for their quick response and confirmed that no ICE employees were harmed during the shooting.
The Department of Homeland Security has vowed to pursue criminal charges against anyone obstructing ICE operations or assaulting federal officers.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation remains active, with federal and state agencies working together to locate the remaining suspect and build cases against those involved. Authorities urge anyone with information about Benjamin Hanil Song or the attack to contact law enforcement immediately.
This incident highlights the growing risks faced by law enforcement and the volatile climate surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States.