• Ten suspects have been arrested in connection with what officials are calling a “planned ambush” of ICE officers at a Texas detention facility. The July 4 attack, which left a local police officer wounded, involved tactical gear, weapons, and incendiary devices. Federal authorities say charges have been filed and further investigations are ongoing.

ALVARADO, TX (TDR) — Ten people have been charged in connection with a July 4 “planned ambush” targeting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas.

Federal officials allege the suspects, dressed in tactical gear and armed with weapons, intentionally provoked ICE and local police officers in an effort to cause harm. The incident is being investigated by the FBI as part of a broader concern about growing violence against law enforcement officers.

Orchestrated attack outside federal detention facility

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

“Make no mistake, this was not a so-called peaceful protest. It was indeed an ambush,” said Susan Larson, acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas. “The intent was to kill ICE corrections officers.”

The event unfolded around 11 p.m. on July 4 outside the ICE Prairieland Detention Center, which houses up to 707 detainees and is operated by LaSalle Corrections on behalf of the City of Alvarado.

According to a report from The Center Square, suspects first launched fireworks toward the facility. A 911 call then lured two unarmed corrections officers outside. When an Alvarado Police officer arrived at the scene, he was shot in the neck. Additional gunfire, estimated at 20–30 rounds, was directed at the officers from a separate location.

Evidence and arrests

Responding sheriff’s deputies from Johnson County arrested multiple individuals attempting to flee. Those arrested were reportedly wearing body armor and some were armed. Authorities recovered a jammed AR-style rifle, tactical gear, and propaganda material including leaflets that read, “fight ICE terror with class war.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

Graffiti was also found at the scene with phrases such as “ICE pig” and “traitor,” according to court filings.

“This type of vigilante lawlessness is emblematic of the dangers federal, state, and local law enforcement officials face every day,” said Josh Johnson, acting field office director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations-Dallas.

ICE officials say attacks on their officers have risen 700% in recent months. Johnson reiterated that ICE officers remain committed to their duties despite the threats.

“The courageous officers of ICE-ERO Dallas are on the streets and in our detention facilities every day, risking their lives,” he said.

Charges and investigation

Ten individuals have each been charged with three counts of attempted murder of a federal officer and three counts of discharging a firearm during a violent crime. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison.

An eleventh suspect is charged with obstruction of justice and conspiracy to destroy evidence, carrying a possible 10-year sentence.

“Those who use violence against law enforcement officers will be found,” Larson said. “They will be prosecuted with the toughest criminal statutes and penalties that we have available to us.”

Authorities say they discovered additional tactical equipment and what they called “insurrectionist materials” during follow-up searches at related locations.

Broader implications

The attack reflects a concerning trend in the region. The Northern District of Texas has seen a sharp increase in attacks on law enforcement officers—from seven in 2021 and 2022 to 18 in 2024. So far in 2025, there have already been nine.

ICE said that special response team operators have been deployed to provide increased security at the Prairieland facility.

“We could not perform our duties without the support of our partners at all levels,” Johnson said.

No ICE personnel were injured in the incident, though damage to the facility is still being assessed. The wounded Alvarado police officer is reported to be in stable condition.

The FBI has taken the lead in the ongoing investigation and urges the public to share any relevant information by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.

What does this incident say about growing tensions around immigration enforcement in the U.S.? Share your thoughts below.

Follow The Dupree Report on YouTube

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10