safety
8 convicted in Texas immigration center shooting and protest are sentenced to decades in prison
By AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· June 23, 2026
· 4 min read
Eight protesters accused by the Justice Department of having ties to antifa were sentenced Tuesday to decades in federal prison over a shooting outside a Texas immigration detention center that wounded a police officer and prosecutors called an act of terrorism.One of the defendants, a former U.S...
Key takeaway Marine Corps reservist convicted of opening fire during the July 4 demonstration outside the Prairieland Detention Center near Dallas, was sentenced to 100 years in prison, the maximum punishment.
Why this matters in The Waco
The lengthy prison sentences handed down to the eight protesters have sparked controversy, with family members and supporters disputing the claims of terrorism and extremist beliefs. This case raises questions about the balance between free speech and public safety in McLennan County and the broader Waco area. While the incident occurred outside a detention center near Dallas, the sentencing in Fort Worth highlights the regional implications of such events. The fact that the protesters were demonstrating in support of detained immigrants also underscores the complex issues surrounding immigration and law enforcement in Texas communities. As the community moves forward, it will be important to consider the impact of such sentences on local activism and the exercise of First Amendment rights, particularly in the context of sensitive issues like immigration and public protest. The Waco area will likely be watching to see how this case influences future demonstrations and the response of law enforcement.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 4 min
Get more The Waco stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering safety and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Eight protesters accused by the Justice Department of having ties to antifa were sentenced Tuesday to decades in federal prison over a shooting outside a Texas immigration detention center that wounded a police officer and prosecutors called an act of terrorism.One of the defendants, a former U.S...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More safety →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter