politics
March 13, 2026
Anti-ICE protesters accused of being part of antifa found guilty of support for terrorism in Texas
Case was seen as major test of the first amendment and whether the US could use broad anti-terrorism statute to prosecute leftwing protesters
TL;DR
- Nine anti-ICE activists were convicted of providing support for terrorism and other charges in Texas.
- The trial was viewed as a test of the First Amendment and the use of anti-terrorism laws against leftwing protesters.
- Prosecutors alleged the defendants were part of an antifa terrorist cell.
- The defendants faced charges including attempted murder, rioting, and firearms violations.
- Most defendants were acquitted of attempted murder and firearms charges, but convicted on terrorism support and other counts.
- The protest involved fireworks, vandalism, and an incident where an officer was shot.
- Prosecutors presented evidence of coordination, including encrypted messaging and attire, while defense argued it was political persecution.
- The judge questioned the relevance of the antifa designation to the terrorism charges.
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