Rep. Rashida Tlaib is facing intense criticism after condemning lengthy prison sentences handed down to members of an alleged antifa cell convicted in connection with a violent attack on a Texas immigration detention facility.
Among those sentenced was Benjamin Song, a former Marine Corps reservist who received a 100-year prison sentence after a jury convicted him of attempted murder for shooting Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross during the July 4, 2025, attack.
Gross survived after a bullet struck his neck and shoulder.
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Seven other defendants received prison sentences ranging from 30 to 70 years after being convicted on charges that included providing material support to terrorists, conspiracy involving firearms and explosives, and rioting.
Following the sentencing, Tlaib, a left-wing Michigan Democrat, took to social media to denounce the outcome.
“These sentences are a travesty and totally unjustified, but that’s the point,” the ‘Squad’ member wrote.
“Americans hate the fascist Trump regime, so the only way they can try to cling to power is brute force.”
The Michigan Democrat also criticized National Security Presidential Memorandum 7, a directive President Donald Trump issued after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk that designated antifa as a domestic terrorist organization.
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“NSPM-7 is a grave threat to all of us and more bulls— ‘terrorism’ charges like these are coming,” Tlaib added.
Her comments quickly drew condemnation from conservatives and Trump administration officials.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller accused the congresswoman of defending violent extremists.
“Defending antifa terrorists who tried to massacre state and federal law enforcement is unacceptable from a member of Congress,” Miller wrote.
Journalist Andy Ngo, who has extensively covered antifa activity, also criticized Tlaib’s remarks.
“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,” he added.
“The trial featured key testimonies from five cell members who flipped, detailing how they organized behind the antifa ideology,” Ngo wrote.
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.”
Conservative columnist Kurt Schlichter responded even more bluntly.
“Counterpoint: Her friends shot a cop,” he wrote.
According to federal prosecutors, the attack unfolded on the evening of July 4, 2025, when members of the group arrived at the immigration detention center wearing dark clothing, masks, and carrying firearms, explosives, and military-grade medical equipment.
Prosecutors said the group vandalized security cameras, launched fireworks at the facility, and deliberately attempted to lure officers outside.
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When local police responded to a 911 call, prosecutors said Song shouted, “Get to the rifles!” before opening fire on Gross.
Body camera footage introduced during the trial captured portions of the confrontation.
Federal prosecutors argued the attack was carefully planned and intended to target law enforcement officers responding to the disturbance.
“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,” U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas said after sentencing.
“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 trial that he acted in self-defense, describing the gunfire as “suppressive fire.”
U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman rejected that argument before imposing the maximum sentence.
Relatives of several convicted defendants maintained the punishments were excessive and argued the group never intended for violence to occur.
Tlaib’s office did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment following the backlash, Fox News reported.
The case marked the first successful federal terrorism prosecution involving alleged antifa members since the Trump administration designated the movement a domestic terrorist organization under National Security Presidential Memorandum 7.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
