Skip to content

Dark Nights

For Mutual Aid & Solidarity

  • Contact
  • Distro
  • Direct Action
  • PGP Key
  • Financial Solidarity

Tag: Prairieland Defendants

About counter-information practices and a warning

Posted on 2026/08/15 - 2026/08/15 by darknights

When we speak, it should be clear, to show reality and not to obscure it and/or reduce it to a spectacle.

We issue a warning about suspicious, manipulative and reckless individual(s) behind the “FAI ARCHIVE” – just set up by the “No War But My War” blog and Instagram, who have been trying to contact admins and sites in the international counter-information networks and anti-repression solidarity groups in a duplicitous way and spreading misinformations and smears. We note that FAI/FRI* has been recently designated as a foreign terrorist organisation by the American administration for which they also target “Antifa Ost“, etc, as part of a hyped and aggressive move against domestic and foreign radical-left and anti-state anarchist movements and tendencies of all sorts, including single-issue unrelated subjects to anarchism.

This individual(s) claims to be in contact and know others in the international anarchist networks, when it has been investigated and found that they are lying, which is deeply suspect. Claiming to be in contact and to have the confidence of others when you do not is unacceptable and treacherous. It is the way of the undercover cop, the infiltrator or, in the “best” case, the self-aggrandizing fantasist. Continue reading “About counter-information practices and a warning” →

Posted in GeneralTagged Analysis, Antifa Ost, Counter-Information, Densus 88, Indonesia, Informal Anarchist Federation (FAI), International Revolutionary Front, Prairieland Defendants, Prairieland ICE Detention Center, Repression, USA

In Contempt #9: Black August Approaches, Resistance and Repression in the Aftermath of Prairieland – Against Cooperation and Compromise, Up With Total Liberation!

Posted on 2026/08/06 by darknights

Issue #9 of In Contempt has been released:

In Contempt #9: Black August Approaches, Resistance and Repression in the Aftermath of Prairieland – Against Cooperation and Compromise, Up With Total Liberation!

Link:
https://incontempt.noblogs.org/2026/07/31/in-contempt-9-black-august-approaches-resistance-and-repression-in-the-aftermath-of-prairieland-against-cooperation-and-compromise-up-with-total-liberation/

Posted in GeneralTagged Anti-Prison, In Contempt, International Solidarity, Prairieland Defendants, Repression, USA

Statement by Benjamin “Champagne” Song (U$A)

Posted on 2026/06/25 - 2026/06/25 by darknights

Benjamin “Champagne” Song was sentenced to 100 years in the Texas Prairieland ‘Antifa’ Frame-Up, solidarity to the defendants and all those who resist, tear all borders and prisons to the ground:

I don’t hate. I don’t hate anyone. I don’t hate cops. I don’t hate Trump. I don’t hate Nazis. My beliefs are composed thus:

First, that we should help each other.

And second, that we should protect one another.

I never want to see anyone get hurt. I never want to see good people, standing up for what they believe in, gunned down in the street. What we all saw happen to Renee Good and Alex Pretti is my worst nightmare.

It was the kind of thing I had feared for a long time, after dealing with officers who could be reckless, who could be bullies, who could be violent. But fear is not hate. Sadness is not hate. Wanting people to live is not hate.

So, when I was standing in the street on July 4th, 2025, in plain view with reflective safety strips and high visibility clothing, what I saw right in front of my eyes was my worst nightmare. Continue reading “Statement by Benjamin “Champagne” Song (U$A)” →

Posted in Anti-FascismTagged Benjamin “Champagne” Song, ICE - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Letter, Migrant Workers, Migrants, Prairieland Defendants, Prairieland ICE Detention Center, Repression, Texas, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE), USA

Fort Worth, Texas, U$A: Eight Federal Prairieland Defendants Sentenced Today to Prison Terms Ranging From 30-100 Years for Common Protest Activity

Posted on 2026/06/24 - 2026/06/25 by darknights

FORT WORTH, TX – Eight Prairieland defendants were sentenced in federal court today, three months after their convictions on a variety of federal charges, including riot, material support for terrorists, attempted murder, possession and conspiracy to use explosives, and conspiracy to conceal documents. Family members and supporters, who sat stunned as US District Judges Mark Pittman and Reed O’Connor delivered sentences ranging from 40-100 years in prison, called the punishment cruel, callous and starkly disproportionate to the defendants’ actions. In a rally and press conference held after the sentencing, supporters expressed defiance and vowed to continue fighting for the Prairieland defendants’ freedom.

The eight Prairieland defendants sentenced today are Savanna Batten, Zachary Evetts, Autumn Hill, Meagan Morris, Maricela Rueda, Daniel Rolando Sanchez Estrada, Benjamin Hanil Song, and Elizabeth Soto. All defendants, with the exception of Sanchez Estrada were convicted of rioting, providing material support to terrorists, conspiracy to use an explosive, and use of an explosive device, which referred to the consumer grade fireworks used on July 4. Sanchez Estrada was convicted of concealing a document—political literature—and, along with Rueda, conspiracy to conceal documents. Song was additionally convicted of attempted murder of an officer and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime. Continue reading “Fort Worth, Texas, U$A: Eight Federal Prairieland Defendants Sentenced Today to Prison Terms Ranging From 30-100 Years for Common Protest Activity” →

Posted in Prison StruggleTagged DFW Support Committee, ICE, Prairieland Defendants, Prairieland ICE Detention Center, Repression, Texas, USA

In Contempt #5: Anarchism & Solidarity on Trial in Texas, Free the Prairieland Defendants, Free Them All! (USA)

Posted on 2026/03/28 by darknights

We return, our hearts inflamed for our companions in struggle enduring the worst of state repression, with the latest In Contempt, a roundup of repression news, political prisoner updates, and prisoner rebellions. While repression may be inevitable for any movement for freedom, the future of the prison world is not. Until the day the cages are empty and the prisons are ashes, we must support those fighting inside for freedom.

https://incontempt.noblogs.org/2026/03/21/in-contempt-5

This month’s column includes:

Free the Prairieland Defendants
Free Jack Mazurek
Free Them All!
Rebellions
Phone Zaps
Calls to Action
Political Prisoners / POWs
George Floyd Uprising Prisoners
Ongoing Cases
Fundraisers & Post-Release Support
International Political Prisoners
ICE Watch
At The Gates: Fighting Detention Centers
Repression
Not Guilty
Media
Birthdays

A zine and pamphlet of this column will be available in the coming days to print and share with friends, comrades, and loved ones behind bars.

As always, we welcome contributions, calls to action, events, news, and any other relevant tips at in_contempt @ autistici . org.

Until All Are Free

Posted in Prison StruggleTagged George Floyd, ICE - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, In Contempt, Jack Mazurek, Prairieland Defendants, Prairieland ICE Detention Center, Repression, USA, Zine

Cooperating Witness Testimony Contradicts State Case in Second Week of Landmark Prairieland ICE Detention Center Trial (USA)

Posted on 2026/03/11 - 2026/03/11 by darknights

Defense Case is Vindicated by Testimony from Multiple Cooperating Witnesses, as Prosecution Prepares to Call Controversial Expert Witness on “Antifa”

FORT WORTH, TX – Defendants in the landmark Prairieland trial were vindicated by testimony from cooperating state witnesses over the past three days, in a case that stems from a noise demonstration at the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas on July 4, 2025. The prosecution called to the stand multiple defendants who have taken cooperating plea deals, affirming many of the defense’s key arguments about the case. The cooperating witnesses clearly stated that the noise demonstration was intended to show solidarity with those detained at the Prairieland facility, and not to enact violence, as the state has claimed. The witnesses also reiterated that defendants were not part of a unified group, let alone a terrorist organization. Their testimony also highlighted how conditions inside the jail created intense pressure to accept plea bargains, rather than a genuine admission of guilt.

Cooperating defendant Lynette Sharp’s testimony overwhelmingly strengthened the defense’s case, even though she was called as a witness by the federal government. On Thursday, Sharp continued her testimony from the previous day, when she began to cry while identifying the defendants in the courtroom, stating that they were “her friends,” and “[she] love[d] them.” In a major revelation, Sharp agreed with the defense that no one that night intended to hurt a police officer and instead stated, “From my understanding, it was a noise demo.”

Sharp further testified—contrary to the government’s allegations—that she was not a member of “antifa,” and that the left-wing reading group, the Emma Goldman Book Club, which several defendants allegedly attended, was not used to recruit individuals into “antifa.” Continue reading “Cooperating Witness Testimony Contradicts State Case in Second Week of Landmark Prairieland ICE Detention Center Trial (USA)” →

Posted in Social ControlTagged Anti-Fascism, Anti-fascists, Dallas, Frame-up, ICE, ICE - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Migrants, Prairieland Defendants, Prairieland ICE Detention Center, Repression, Texas, Trial, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE), USA

Opening Arguments and Testimony from Alvarado Officer at Center of Prairieland Case Marks First Day of Landmark Trial Against Nine Defendants (USA)

Posted on 2026/02/25 by darknights
Testimony of Lt. Thomas Gross Undermined Government Arguments that the Noise Protest on July 4, 2025 Was an “Ambush” and “Planned Attack”
FORT WORTH, TX – Opening arguments and testimony from the Alvarado police officer at the center of the controversial Prairieland ICE Detention Center case marked the first day of trial yesterday against nine defendants. The federal government offered no new or compelling arguments in their opening statement and relied heavily on First Amendment-protected activity to make their case. However, during cross-examination, Alvarado police officer Lt. Thomas Gross revealed information that undermines the government’s narrative that the noise demonstration on July 4, 2025 was an “ambush” and that police were the targets of a “planned attack.”

During today’s proceedings, the defense team was able to cross-examine Lt. Gross, who was injured at the scene. This is the first time Gross has spoken publicly since the incident. He described a hectic scene with few details, claiming to see only a small handful of male individuals, despite multiple women defendants in the case.

On cross-examination, Lt. Gross said he spent between 2-4 hours in the hospital before being released, and could not explain why he appears to have been shot from the back despite also claiming to have been facing the person who the government alleges fired at him. Gross could not say who drew their weapon first, but he admitted drawing his weapon without any obvious threat. Gross stated that when he arrived on the scene, there was no alleged criminal activity being committed more serious than “criminal mischief.” In response to questions from defense attorney Phillip Hayes, Gross admitted that he was pointing his firearm at a fleeing person’s back, before encountering the individual holding a rifle. This testimony seemed to contradict the government’s claim that the police were ambushed.
Continue reading “Opening Arguments and Testimony from Alvarado Officer at Center of Prairieland Case Marks First Day of Landmark Trial Against Nine Defendants (USA)” →
Posted in Anti-Fascism, Social ControlTagged Anti-Fascism, Anti-fascists, Dallas, ICE, ICE - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Prairieland Defendants, Prairieland ICE Detention Center, Repression, Texas, Trial, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE), USA

Jury Selection Begins Monday After Judge Declared Mistrial Last Week in Widely Watched Federal Prairieland ICE Protest Trial (USA)

Posted on 2026/02/23 by darknights
Concerns Grow Over Whether the Prairieland Defendants Can Receive a Fair Trial, Based on Severe Trial Restrictions, Prejudicial Statements at Highest Levels of Government—Press Conference Monday at 8am
FORT WORTH, TX – Nine defendants will proceed to federal trial on Monday in a widely watched case that stems from a July 4, 2025 noise demonstration in support of detained immigrants at the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas. Following a mistrial declared last week by presiding U.S. District Court Judge Mark Pittman for a defense attorney’s attire featuring civil rights leaders, jury selection is scheduled to begin again on Monday, February 23. The trial is expected to last at least three weeks. Defendants Savanna Batten, Zachary Evetts, Autumn Hill, Meagan Morris, Maricela Rueda, Daniel “Des” Rolando Sanchez Estrada, Benjamin “Champagne” Song, Elizabeth Soto, and Ines Soto were indicted in November on a variety of charges including riot, discharging a firearm, attempted murder, material support for terrorism, and conspiracy to conceal documents.

A press conference will be held at the southeast corner of Burke Burnett Park, across the street from the courthouse, on Monday, February 23 at 8am.

Continue reading “Jury Selection Begins Monday After Judge Declared Mistrial Last Week in Widely Watched Federal Prairieland ICE Protest Trial (USA)” →

Posted in Anti-Fascism, Social ControlTagged Anti-Fascism, Dallas, ICE, ICE - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Migrant Workers, Migrants, Prairieland Defendants, Prairieland ICE Detention Center, Racism, Repression, Texas, Trial, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE), USA

In Contempt #4: Support the Prairieland Defendants on Trial, Inside-Outside ICE Detention Center Protests, Palestine Action UK Actionists Acquitted, Free Alabama Prison Strike, & More!

Posted on 2026/02/18 by darknights

We return with the monthly news roundup of analysis on prison rebellions and imprisoned freedom fighters that is IN CONTEMPT!

https://incontempt.noblogs.org/2026/02/17/in-contempt-4/

Following the closing of It’s Going Down, a new collective will continue publishing monthly “In Contempt” updates on this noblogs. We hope this publication helps develop networks of inside-outside solidarity – over 100 copies are mailed to people behind bars each month! Please submit any updates and calls to action to the new email in_contempt at autistici dot org.

We’re interested in providing more up to date roundups about international political prisoners (and their birthdays!), as well as including as thorough and comprehensive information about what we do cover, so please contribute if you can, whether updates, events, calls to actions, translations, or whatever else.

This month’s column includes:

Prairieland Defendants on Trial
Dilley Family Detention Center Protest
Free Leqaa Kordia!
Palestine Action UK Wins Again
Free Them All!
Phone Zaps
Calls to Action
Political Prisoners / POWs
George Floyd Uprising Prisoners
International Political Prisoners
ICE Watch: Minneapolis
At The Gates: Fighting Detention Centers
Repression
Not Guilty
Media
Birthdays
In Memoriam: Khalid Raheem

Two printable zines will be available in the coming days to print & share with our comrades inside, so be sure to check back on the noblogs!

Until All Are Free

Posted in General, Prison StruggleTagged Alabama, Alabama Department of Corrections, Alabama prison movement, Alabama prison work stoppage, Anti-Fascism, Counter-Information, Dilley Family, George Floyd, ICE - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, In Contempt, Khalid Raheem, Leqaa Kordia, Minneapolis, Palestine Action, Prairieland Defendants, Prairieland ICE Detention Center, Repression, Texas, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE), UK, USA

Nine Defendants Proceed to Federal Trial Next Week in Widely Watched Prairieland ICE Detention Center Protest Case (USA)

Posted on 2026/02/13 - 2026/02/13 by darknights
Jury Selection Set to Begin Tuesday, February 17—for a Trial with Severe Public Access Restrictions, Plagued by Prejudicial Statements at Highest Levels of Government—Preceded by a Press Conference at 8:30am 
FORT WORTH, TX – Nine defendants will proceed to federal trial next week in a widely watched case that stems from a July 4, 2025 noise demonstration in support of detained immigrants at the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas. Jury selection is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, February 17, followed by the trial which is expected to last at least three weeks. Defendants Savanna Batten, Zachary Evetts, Autumn Hill, Meagan Morris, Maricela Rueda, Daniel “Des” Rolando Sanchez Estrada, Benjamin “Champagne” Song, Elizabeth Soto, and Ines Soto were indicted in November on a variety of charges including riot, discharging a firearm, attempted murder, material support for terrorism, and conspiracy to conceal documents.
A press conference will be held at the southeast corner of Burke Burnett Park, across the street from the courthouse, on Tuesday, February 17 at 8:30am.

Continue reading “Nine Defendants Proceed to Federal Trial Next Week in Widely Watched Prairieland ICE Detention Center Protest Case (USA)” →

Posted in Anti-Fascism, No BordersTagged ICE - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Prairieland Defendants, Trial, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE), USA

Posts navigation

Older posts
Video: Conspiracy of Cells of Fire – Phoenix Project – An account of the FAI/IRF Project ‘Phoenix’ (Black International) 2015

Counter Information

  • A2Day (Belarus, Ukraine, Russia)
  • Act for freedom now! (Greece, World)
  • Anarchist Federation (World)
  • Asranarshism (Middle East)
  • Athens IMC (Greece)
  • Attaque (France, World)
  • Avtonom (Russia)
  • Bandilang Itim (Phillipines)
  • Barrikade (Switzerland, World)
  • Blessed is the Flame (Greece, World)
  • Chronik (Germany)
  • Contra Info (Latin America, World)
  • Contra Toda Nocividad (Spain)
  • Corrispondenze Anarchiche (World)
  • Czarna Teoria (Poland)
  • Deutschland IMC (Germany)
  • Duk Dig (Scandinavia)
  • Earth First! (UK)
  • Finimondo (Italy, World)
  • Il Rovescio (Italy, World)
  • Informativo Anarquista (Chile)
  • Insendier (Indonesia, World)
  • It's Going Down (USA, Canada)
  • June 11th (USA, World)
  • Kontrapolis (Germany)
  • La Nemesi (Italy, World)
  • Legiun (Indonesia, World)
  • MTL Contre-Info (Canada)
  • North Shore Counter-Info (Canada)
  • Philly Anti-Cap (USA)
  • Resistenze al nanomondo (Italy)
  • Rote Hilfe CH (Switzerland)
  • Rote Hilfe DE (Germany)
  • Sans Nom (France)
  • Secours Rouge (Switzerland, World)
  • Squat.net (World)
  • Switch Off (Europe)
  • Takku (Finland)
  • Unoffensive Animal (World)
  • Urban Guerilla - Archive (1960s-1980s)

Security

  • Tails USB
  • TOR Project
  • Ears and Eyes
  • No Trace

Anarchism

  • Edzioni Anarchismo
  • Elephant Editions
  • Anarchist Libraries
  • Anarchist FAQ
  • AK Press UK
  • Active Distribution
  • Anarchist Black Cross Federation USA - Guide
  • Solidarity International
  • Prisoner Solidarity
  • ABC Brighton - Guide

Anti-State Radio Broadcasts

  • 1431AM (Thessaloniki, Greece)
  • A-Radio (Vienna, Austria)
  • A-Radio Berlin (Germany)
  • Radio Kurruf (Chile)
  • Radio Libertaire (France)
  • B(A)D News Radio (Worldwide)
  • Channel Zero (USA)
  • Frequenz A (Leipzig, Germany)
  • It's Going Down (USA)
  • Anarchy Radio/John Zerzan (USA)
  • The Final Straw (USA)
  • Radio Blackout (Italy)
  • Radio Onda d'Urto (Italy)
  • Radio Bandito (Italy)
  • Radio Ondarossa (Italy)
  • Black Hole (Ljubljana, Slovenia)
Proudly powered by WordPress | Theme: micro, developed by DevriX.