Anti-ICE protesters accused of being part of Antifa found guilty of terrorism

2 days ago

Nine anti-ICE protesters in Texas were convicted on charges including providing material support to terrorism, rioting, and firearms offenses.
The case was seen as a test of the First Amendment and the government's use of anti-terrorism laws against left-wing activists.
Prosecutors alleged the protesters were part of an antifa terrorist cell, marking the first such criminal prosecution.
Benjamin Song, the main shooter, faces 20 years to life in prison, while others face 10 to 60 years.
Defense lawyers argued the protest was peaceful and that the government targeted the defendants for their political beliefs.
The jury rejected the government's 'ambush' narrative but still convicted most defendants on riot-related charges.
Protest tactics, such as encrypted messaging and wearing black clothing, were used as evidence of coordination.
The judge questioned the relevance of antifa to the charges, highlighting the gap between political rhetoric and legal technicalities.
The case has drawn criticism as an example of political persecution, with supporters vowing to continue fighting the charges.

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