A group of 11 suspects have reportedly been indicted in a dramatic plot to ambush Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) corrections officers at the Prairieland detention facility in Alvarado, Texas, authorities announced on Monday.
The raid, executed during Independence Day weekend, injured one local police officer and prompted an intensive manhunt.
Federal prosecutors allege the assailants—dressed in tactical clothing—coordinated an attack late Friday night. According to the criminal complaint, they used fireworks to lure corrections staff outside the facility before opening fire.
The explosives reportedly emitted flashes and noise, drawing officers from secure positions toward an exposed area, where approximately 20 to 30 rounds were fired.
An Alvarado police officer, responding to the scene, was struck in the neck and hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
“This was a planned ambush with the intent to kill ICE corrections officers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson at a press briefing.
She added that the suspects did not act alone; several individuals were arrested in coordinated sweeps after law enforcement traced their movements via surveillance and vehicle stops.
Ten individuals have been charged with multiple counts of attempted murder of federal officers and discharging a firearm during a violent crime—crimes that carry penalties ranging from 10 years to life in prison.
A eleventh was charged with conspiracy and obstruction of justice for allegedly attempting to help conceal the group’s actions and providing support post-attack.
In the wake of the incident, officers recovered an arsenal of weapons and tactical gear, including AK‑style rifles, AR‑15s, bulletproof vests, radios, and anti-government pamphlets.
Spray-painted slogans and a flag declaring resistance to “oligarchy” and “fascism” were also seized at the scene.
The brazen attack has drawn attention to mounting tensions between activist factions and immigration enforcement at facilities housing federal detainees.
ICE officials noted a recent uptick in confrontational incidents targeting their officers. Local law enforcement responded with immediate increases in security measures in and around the facility.
According to Ms. Larson, federal agents captured several suspects blocks from the site, while others were stopped after a traffic pursuit. In one case, an individual was pulled over carrying a pistol and AR‑15, admitting involvement with the group.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities reviewing digital communications, surveillance footage, and vehicle records to uncover how the plot was organized and funded. Additional arrests may follow.
The attack underscores the evolving and dangerous nature of political violence in the United States.
As the legal process proceeds, prosecutors and law enforcement officials say they will pursue all channels to hold those responsible fully accountable — and to ensure the safety of federal personnel performing enforcement duties at the nation’s borders and detention facilities.
[READ MORE: Trump Slams Mamdani While Netanyahu Blows Off ‘Silly’ Threat of Arrest]
