For the first time in United States history, federal prosecutors in Texas have filed terrorism charges against antifa-aligned activists, following the recent presidential designation of antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. The charges are linked to a July 4 shooting at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Alvarado, Texas.

Background of the Texas ICE Attack

On July 4, 2025, Cameron Arnold of Dallas and Zachary Evetts of Waxahachie allegedly participated in an attack at the Prairieland ICE detention facility. During the incident, fireworks were reportedly fired, vehicles were vandalized, and a police officer was shot in the neck. Both men, along with eight others, were arrested in July and initially charged with attempted murder and weapons offenses.

The latest terrorism charges, announced on Thursday, reflect President Donald Trump’s September executive order labeling antifa, short for “anti-fascist,” as a domestic terrorist organization. The FBI, under Director Kash Patel, described the arrests as “violent extremists” aligned with antifa.

Legal Proceedings

• Defendants: Cameron Arnold and Zachary Evetts
• Charges: Supporting terrorists; terrorism charges under the Trump administration designation
• Next Court Date: October 22, 2025

Neither Arnold nor Evetts has entered a plea. Arnold’s attorney, Cody Cofer, stated he looks forward to defending his client in trial, while Evetts’s lawyer, Patrick McLain, argued the terrorism charges are politically motivated, claiming no evidence supports the allegations.

The indictment alleges that Arnold and Evetts were part of an antifa “cell” responsible for the attack. Prosecutors claim the group engaged in violent acts including firework assaults, property destruction, and firearm use against law enforcement officers.

Political Context and Controversy

President Trump and Republican allies have repeatedly accused antifa followers of promoting political violence, particularly after the September assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and nationwide protests against federal immigration authorities in cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland.

While Trump’s executive order formally designated antifa as a terrorist organization, some national security law experts have questioned the legality of the move. Antifa is a loosely organized, leaderless movement, raising debates over whether members can be prosecuted as part of a structured terrorist organization.

FBI Director Kash Patel tweeted, “First time ever: the FBI arrested Antifa-aligned anarchist violent extremists and terrorism charges have been brought for the July 4 Prairieland ICE attack in Texas,” underscoring the unprecedented nature of these charges.

Implications

The Texas indictment marks a significant escalation in the US government’s efforts to combat domestic political violence, signaling a potential shift in how antifa-related incidents may be prosecuted. Legal experts predict that these charges could set a precedent for future terrorism cases involving decentralized activist groups.

As the case proceeds, attention will focus on whether prosecutors can establish the existence of a coordinated antifa “cell” responsible for the attack and whether the terrorism designation holds up in federal court.