Federal Judge Declares Mistrial in Texas “Domestic Terrorism” Protest Trial Ahead of New Jury
A federal judge in Fort Worth, Texas, declared a mistrial Feb. 17, 2026 in a contentious case where prosecutors sought to convict nine defendants on terrorism-related charges tied to a July 4, 2025 attack on the Prairieland ICE Detention Center near Alvarado. The charges, including providing material support to terrorists, attempted murder of officers, and riot-related offenses, hinge on the government’s claim the group acted as a North Texas “antifa” cell, marking a legal test of domestic terrorism theories in protest cases.
The mistrial came shortly after jury selection when the judge cited concerns that a defense attorney’s historical civil rights-themed T-shirt could bias panel members, halting proceedings and ordering the case to restart with a new jury next week.
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Federal authorities say the July 2025 incident went beyond protest — with participants allegedly shooting fireworks, using firearms, vandalizing property, and striking a local police officer in the neck. A Fort Worth grand jury indicted nine people on multiple federal counts after a lengthy investigation, including accusations related to use and coordination of weapons and planning an attack on federal agents.
Earlier in November 2025, five people charged alongside these defendants pleaded guilty to material support to terrorism charges linked to the same incident and face up to 15 years in prison.
Defense attorneys for some suspects dispute the government’s narrative, telling courts there is no credible evidence of a unified terror cell and that literature or encrypted messages are protected protest activity, not proof of conspiracy.
Experts watching the case say the outcome could influence how domestic terrorism statutes are used in protest contexts nationwide, raising constitutional free speech and association concerns.
The trial restart is expected to begin within days with a newly seated jury.
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