Ten Charged in Armed July 4th Ambush on ICE Facility, Alvarado Police Officer Shot

The U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday that ten people have been charged with attempted murder and firearm offenses after staging what officials described as a “planned ambush” on federal officers outside the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, on July 4, 2025.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Nancy E. Larson, joined by FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock and ICE Dallas Acting Field Office Director Josh Johnson, stated that the incident was far from a peaceful protest, citing details from the official criminal complaint.

According to the criminal complaint, the group—dressed in black military-style clothing—began the attack by launching fireworks outside the facility around 10:30 p.m. to draw ICE personnel outside. After about 10 minutes, members of the group vandalized vehicles and a guard post with graffiti reading “TRAITOR” and “PIG.” Flyers were left at the scene reading “FIGHT ICE TERROR WITH CLASS WAR” and “FREE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS.”

When corrections officers called 911, an Alvarado police officer responded to the scene and was shot in the neck by a suspect hiding in nearby woods. Simultaneously, another shooter across the street opened fire with an AR-style rifle, discharging 20 to 30 rounds at unarmed ICE officers who had stepped outside.

Evidence of Coordinated Assault

Authorities recovered AR-style rifles, body armor, two-way radios, and a Faraday bag used to block phone signals—tactics often used by criminal networks to avoid detection. Twelve sets of body armor were found in vehicles, on the suspects, and in the surrounding area. A flag discovered at the scene read: “RESIST FASCISM – FIGHT OLIGARCHY.”

“Make no mistake, this was not a protest,” said Larson. “It was a deliberate, organized act of violence with the intent to kill federal officers.”

FBI Agent Rothrock emphasized the high-risk environment law enforcement officers face daily: “The FBI pledges that violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated. We’re committed to holding these suspects fully accountable.”

ICE Dallas Acting Field Director Josh Johnson added: “Violence, threats of violence, and vandalism at our ICE facilities will not deter our officers. This vigilante lawlessness is unacceptable.”

Charges and Defendants

Ten individuals are charged in one criminal complaint with:

• Three counts of attempted murder of federal officers
• Three counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence

The defendants include:

• Cameron Arnold (aka Autumn Hill)
• Savannah Batten
• Nathan Baumann
• Zachary Evetts
• Joy Gibson
• Bradford Morris (aka Meagan Morris)
• Maricela Rueda
• Seth Sikes
• Elizabeth Soto
• Ines Soto

Each defendant faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison if convicted, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. As always, a criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Background: Shooting on July 4th

The incident unfolded during Fourth of July celebrations, a day often marked by protests outside immigration detention centers. But this attack went beyond demonstration—resulting in gunfire, serious injury to a local police officer, and endangerment of federal staff. The shooting and attempted murder charges reflect the federal government’s commitment to prosecuting violence against public servants.

The operation involved multiple agencies, including the FBI Dallas, ICE Enforcement & Removal Operations, ATF, Texas DPS, Alvarado Police Department, and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. Prosecutors Frank Gatto and Shawn Smith are leading the case for the Northern District of Texas.

(With reporting from DOJ, FBI Dallas, and ICE press statements)