Federal prosecutions against nine members of what the Justice Department calls a "North Texas Antifa Cell," allegedly responsible for an anti-immigration enforcement demonstration that turned violent in July, are scheduled to move forward to arraignment next week. The supposed members are facing charges that range from attempted murder to providing materials to support terrorists. But it is one defendant's case, based on the transportation of "anti-law enforcement, anti-government, and anti-immigration enforcement documents," that raises serious First Amendment concerns.
On the night of July 4, anti-immigration enforcement protestors arrived at the Prairieland Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Alvarado, Texas. According to the indictment, these individuals "began shooting and throwing fireworks…and vandalizing vehicles and a guard shed." In response, a Department of Homeland Security officer called local police. Shortly after an Alvarado Police Department officer arrived, shots were allegedly fired from protestors, and the officer was nonlethally struck in the neck.
