Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., is facing sharp criticism after condemning lengthy prison sentences handed down to eight people convicted in connection with a violent 2025 attack on a Texas immigration detention facility—an assault that federal prosecutors successfully prosecuted under terrorism-related charges.
The strongest sentence went to Benjamin Song, a former Marine Corps reservist, who received 100 years in prison after a jury convicted him of attempted murder for shooting Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross during the attack. Gross survived after being struck by a bullet that passed through his shoulder and neck.
Seven other defendants received prison terms ranging from 30 to 70 years after convictions on charges including providing material support to terrorists, conspiracy involving weapons and explosives, and rioting.
Following the sentencing, Tlaib criticized both the verdicts and the legal framework used to prosecute the case.
“These sentences are a travesty and totally unjustified, but that’s the point,” Tlaib wrote on social media. “Americans hate the fascist Trump regime, so the only way they can try to cling to power is brute force.”
She also attacked National Security Presidential Memo 7, issued by President Donald Trump after the 2025 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The directive classified antifa as a domestic terrorist organization and became the basis for the federal government’s expanded use of terrorism charges against individuals prosecutors said acted in support of the movement.
“NSPM-7 is a grave threat to all of us and more bulls— ‘terrorism’ charges like these are coming,” Tlaib added.
Her remarks quickly drew criticism from conservatives, who argued that her comments appeared to minimize or excuse the violence committed during the attack.
Conservative columnist Kurt Schlichter responded on social media, writing, “Counterpoint: Her friends shot a cop.”
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller also criticized the congresswoman, accusing her of “defending antifa terrorists who tried to massacre state and federal law enforcement.”
Journalist Andy Ngo, who has extensively covered antifa-related incidents, pointed to evidence presented during the trial.
“They were proven at court to be part of a terrorist antifa cell that trained for and planned violence using firearms,” Ngo wrote. “They used large explosives to lure out federal agents and police before shooting one in the neck. The trial featured key testimonies from five cell members who flipped, detailing how they organized behind the antifa ideology.”
He added, “Congresswoman, I know you must be very upset that these terrorists you are sympathetic to didn’t get away with it this time.”
According to federal prosecutors, the group arrived at the immigration detention facility on July 4, 2025, dressed in dark clothing and face coverings while carrying firearms, military-style medical kits, and explosives. Prosecutors said the defendants vandalized security equipment and launched fireworks and explosive devices at the facility in an effort to draw law enforcement officers into an ambush.
When Lt. Gross responded to the 911 call, prosecutors said Song shouted, “Get to the rifles!” before opening fire. Police body-camera footage and testimony presented during the trial formed a central part of the government’s case.
Gross testified that the bullet traveled through his shoulder and neck, leaving him seriously wounded but alive.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould said the convictions reflected the seriousness of the crimes.
“Their terrorist acts, attempted murder, vandalism, and explosives launched at a detention facility were a far cry from a peaceful protest or First Amendment expression,” Raybould said in a statement. “We will continue in this mission to hold others accountable who perpetrate such violence and fund these ANTIFA groups in the Northern District of Texas.”
Song’s attorneys argued during the trial that he fired in self-defense, describing the gunfire as “suppressive fire.” Judge Mark Pittman rejected that argument, and the jury ultimately convicted Song of attempted murder. Family members of several defendants have since argued that the prison sentences were excessively severe and maintained that their relatives did not intend for anyone to be injured.
A spokesperson for Tlaib did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment following the backlash.
