FBI Director Kash Patel announced new terrorism charges in Texas after a July 4 attack on an ICE detention facility in Alvarado.
The move marks the first federal case tied to antifa rhetoric in a high-profile prosecution.
Patel said investigators arrested “Antifa-aligned anarchist violent extremists” and added terrorism counts to previous indictments.
He described the evidence as showing organized violent intent and coordination across state lines among suspects accused in the Prairieland attack.
The defendants named in the filing are Cameron Arnold of Dallas and Zachary Evetts of Waxahachie.
Both men were previously charged with attempted murder and weapons offenses following the chaotic confrontation at the facility.
Prosecutors added counts for “providing support to terrorists” rather than charging support for a designated terrorist organization, according to Al Jazeera.
Justice officials stressed the legal distinction, saying the new counts reflect operational support for violent acts.
Arnold and Evetts have not entered pleas. Court records show both are scheduled to appear on October 22 to answer the new terrorism-related allegations filed by federal prosecutors.
Cody Cofer, Arnold’s attorney, said he “looks forward to defending his client at trial” and called the charges an example of prosecutorial overreach. He vowed to challenge the sufficiency of the government’s evidence in court.
Patrick McLain, counsel for Evetts, pushed back similarly, saying, “I have seen no evidence from the prosecutors to support any of the charges.” Defense lawyers argue linking defendants to a loosely organized movement will be difficult.
The new complaint alleges the suspects were part of a “cell” tied to antifa that planned and executed the July 4 assault.
Prosecutors describe a sequence of vandalism, fireworks, and escalating violence that ended in gunfire.
Investigators say attackers set off fireworks, smashed vehicle windows, and damaged property before a co-conspirator opened fire, striking a local police officer in the neck. The officer survived after emergency treatment and remains hospitalized.
Patel praised agents and local officers for what he called a “swift and coordinated response” that prevented more casualties. He framed the arrests as part of a broader effort to counter domestic violent extremism.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly blamed antifa for left-wing violence and used executive action to target the movement. His supporters say the federal response is overdue and necessary to protect law enforcement and critical facilities.
The president signed an executive order in September designating Antifa as a terrorist organization.
