Two ICE Attackers Charged, One Still MISSING

Federal authorities have charged two alleged accomplices in the brazen July 4 attack on the Prairieland ICE Detention Center, exposing an organized anti-ICE assault that left a police officer wounded and a fugitive still on the run—raising new questions about how far activist networks will go to undermine immigration enforcement in America.

At a Glance

Two individuals charged as accessories after the fact in the July 4 ICE facility attack in Alvarado, Texas.
Lead suspect, Benjamin Hanil Song, remains at large, considered armed and dangerous.
Federal authorities describe the attack as highly coordinated, targeting law enforcement and ICE personnel.
Authorities have arrested 14 people so far in connection with the attack, with charges ranging from attempted murder to firearms offenses.

Federal Charges After Coordinated Attack on ICE Facility

Federal prosecutors have unsealed charges against John Phillip Thomas and Lynette Read Sharp, both accused of helping fugitive Benjamin Hanil Song escape after the violent assault on the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas. According to court documents, the pair provided logistical support and transportation following the attack, communicating through encrypted Signal chats as part of a broader network involved in the planning and execution of the assault. Thomas and Sharp now face federal charges as accessories after the fact, joining 12 others already in custody for their alleged roles in the incident.

The attack itself unfolded late on July 4, when a group of 10 to 12 individuals clad in black military-style gear used high-powered flashlights, two-way radios, and fireworks to breach the perimeter of the detention center. Graffiti reading “ICE Pig” and “Traitor” was sprayed on vehicles and guard posts. When local law enforcement responded, an Alvarado police officer was ambushed and shot in the neck by an assailant concealed in nearby woods. The officer is recovering, but the assault—timed to coincide with Independence Day fireworks—left the community on edge and authorities scrambling to contain a rapidly evolving threat.

A New Level of Organized Anti-ICE Violence

While the nation has witnessed protests and vandalism at ICE facilities in recent years, federal investigators say the July 4 attack marks a dangerous escalation in both coordination and lethality. The use of military tactics, encrypted communications, and targeted violence against officers signals a shift from protest to outright criminal conspiracy. Prosecutors allege that Benjamin Hanil Song, a former Marine reservist, orchestrated the assault, and that his escape was meticulously planned by Thomas and Sharp in the days leading up to and following the attack.

Law enforcement experts warn that this level of organization—where attackers train, plan, and execute targeted strikes on federal facilities—poses an unprecedented threat to public safety and the rule of law. The FBI has expanded its manhunt for Song across state lines, offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to his capture. Authorities have increased security at ICE and other federal detention centers throughout Texas and neighboring states, with ongoing investigations into whether similar plots are developing elsewhere.

Broader Implications for Law Enforcement and Immigration Policy

The fallout from the attack has rippled through the local community, ICE operations, and national policy debates. Facility operations in Alvarado have been disrupted, with heightened security and an increased law enforcement presence fueling anxiety among residents and staff. With 14 arrests already made and additional suspects sought, the case may set legal precedents for prosecuting organized assaults on federal officers and facilities. Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson emphasized that the investigation is tightening, stating Song is “running out of people to go to,” as federal authorities continue to dismantle the network behind the attack.

For conservatives and law-abiding citizens, the incident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed when radical activism crosses the line into violent insurrection against federal law enforcement. The attack comes as the Trump administration is implementing stricter immigration enforcement, with new executive orders empowering local police to cooperate with ICE, expanding detention capacity, and accelerating deportations. These measures are designed to restore common sense and public safety after years of lax enforcement and chaos at the border, but the Alvarado incident shows just how far the radical left will go to defend lawlessness and attack those sworn to uphold the law.

A Community on Edge, a Country Demanding Answers

As the manhunt for Benjamin Hanil Song continues, local residents and law enforcement remain vigilant, bracing for further threats or reprisals. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward, stressing the ongoing risk posed by the fugitive and his network. The broader debate over immigration enforcement, protest rights, and public safety is far from over, but one thing is clear: the American people will not tolerate organized violence or efforts to undermine the rule of law. The events in Alvarado are a sobering wake-up call—and a test of whether our justice system can hold accountable those who attack the very foundations of order and security.

The only thing more outrageous than the attack itself is that it took this long for real action to be taken. Under President Trump, the days of coddling criminals and demonizing law enforcement are over. The nation is watching—and demanding nothing less than full accountability, swift justice, and a renewed commitment to the values that make America strong.