Prairieland ICE Detention Center

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)” →

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” →

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

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)” →

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 →

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)” →

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

Pre-Trial Motions Hearings Set for Tuesday and Thursday in Landmark Federal Prairieland ICE Protest Case (USA)

Posted on 2026/02/10 - 2026/02/10 by darknights

Just Days Before the Federal Trial Begins, Defense Motions Seek to Suppress Evidence, Exclude Codefendant Statements at Trial

FORT WORTH, TX – Days before a widely watched federal trial is set to begin in the Prairieland ICE protest case, U.S. District Court Judge Mark Pittman ordered pretrial motions hearings for Tuesday, February 10 and Thursday, February 12. Nine defendants—Savanna Batten, Zachary Evetts, Autumn Hill, Meagan Morris, Maricela Rueda, Daniel “Des” Rolando Sanchez Estrada, Benjamin “Champagne” Song, Elizabeth Soto, and Ines Soto—who 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 will start their federal trial next week with jury selection on Tuesday, February 17.

On Tuesday, February 10 at 10am, Judge Pittman will hear arguments on a motion to suppress evidence against Prairieland defendant Elizabeth Soto, and a motion filed by Prairieland defendant Autumn Hill to exclude statements of codefendant Meagan Morris. A third motion filed on behalf of Daniel Rolando Sanchez Estrada, which is currently being withheld from the public record, will be heard on Thursday, February 12 at 2pm. The Prairieland case stems from a July 4, 2025 noise demonstration in support of detained immigrants at the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas. Continue reading “Pre-Trial Motions Hearings Set for Tuesday and Thursday in Landmark Federal Prairieland ICE Protest Case (USA)” →

Supporters of Prairieland Defendants Release Statement Raising Serious Concerns About Actions of Judge in Upcoming Federal Trial (USA)

Posted on 2026/01/21 - 2026/01/22 by darknights

+ Defendant in Prairieland ICE Detention Center Protest Case Moves to Dismiss State Indictment in Pretrial Hearing

FORT WORTH, TX — A federal judge in the Prairieland ICE Detention Center case fined three defense lawyers five hundred dollars each last week for a mistake in a routine motion to compel discovery. In a Show Cause hearing on January 14, U.S. District Court Judge Mark Pittman admonished lawyers representing Prairieland defendant Zachary Evetts, calling the motion “frivolous.”

In response to this and other actions taken by Judge Pittman in the Prairieland case, the DFW Support Committee—a group of family and loved ones of the defendants—published a statement today. “As the Prairieland defendants’ federal trial approaches, a pattern of concerning activity by the presiding judge, Mark Pittman, has emerged,” reads the statement. “The fate of the defendants—and the result of this trial—will have enormous impacts on the legal terrain for those resisting ICE terror and the course of the rising authoritarianism in the U.S. As such, the fairness of this trial should be an acute concern for all.”

“Judge Pittman is showing a clear disdain for the defendants,” said Irina Popova, who attended the Show Cause hearing. “Zachary’s lawyer was doing his job by asking the court to make sure he gets all the relevant evidence. The judge compared him to a five-year-old child, and bullied him into agreeing that his request was frivolous, which is deeply disturbing, and forebodes an unfair trial.” Continue reading “Supporters of Prairieland Defendants Release Statement Raising Serious Concerns About Actions of Judge in Upcoming Federal Trial (USA)” →

Weatherford, Texas Woman Arrested in Connection to Prairieland Case (USA)

Posted on 2026/01/08 - 2026/01/08 by darknights

Lucy Fowlkes Arrested Yesterday and Charged with Hindering Prosecution of Terrorism in What Supporters Say is an Effort to Pressure Her to Cooperate With the State

January 6, 2026

CLEBURNE, TX – Police arrested Lucy Fowlkes at her family home in Weatherford, TX, yesterday. They took her into custody at Johnson County Jail. Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation accompanied local police during the arrest on Monday evening, though she was charged under state, not federal law. Johnson County prosecutors have charged Fowlkes with Hindering the Prosecution of Terrorism and have set bond at $5 million. Similar to Daniel Estrada Sanchez, Janette Goering, and Dario Sanchez, Fowlkes is not known to have participated in the July 4, 2025 protest at the Prairieland ICE Detention Center.

Lucy Fowlkes faces charges in another ongoing case stemming from an incident at a drag brunch in 2023, where she was charged alongside Chris Guillot and Meghan Grant. In that case, authorities allege that Fowlkes and others unlawfully defended the family event from violent antagonists.

Supporters of Ms. Fowlkes say in the weeks prior to her arrest she had been approached by law enforcement encouraging her to engage in an interview regarding the July 4th protest. “The extension of this charge, ‘hindering the prosecution of terrorism’, to more and more defendants is increasingly absurd. I can only assume that this is some sort of wildly unacceptable intimidation tactic,” said Lydia Koza, friend of the defendant. Continue reading “Weatherford, Texas Woman Arrested in Connection to Prairieland Case (USA)” →