Columbia News

Senator Eric Schmitt reported on October 16, 2025, that a federal grand jury in Texas indicted two individuals, Cameron Arnold and Zachary Evetts, for their alleged involvement in a July 4, 2025, attack on the Prairieland Detention Center, an ICE facility in Alvarado, Texas. Schmitt described the accused as "Antifa-aligned left-wing extremists" and provided details about the incident and the subsequent investigation.

According to Schmitt, "The indictment outlines that the defendants were part of a group of at least 11 individuals who coordinated an armed ambush against ICE and local law enforcement officers stationed at the facility. The FBI has made over 20 arrests tied to this case and related Antifa networks." This post was made on October 16, 2025.

In another statement on the same day, Schmitt said, "Yesterday, a federal grand jury in Texas indicted Cameron Arnold and Zachary Evetts—both identified as Antifa-aligned left-wing extremists—for their roles in a coordinated July 4, 2025 terrorist attack on the Prairieland Detention Center, an ICE facility in Alvarado, Texas."

Schmitt further elaborated on the planning behind the incident: "This was a highly coordinated, premeditated attack. The Antifa militants planned and coordinated the specifics via encrypted messaging apps in the days leading up to July 4, with one member writing: 'I'm done with peaceful protests.'" This tweet also appeared on October 16, 2025.

Antifa is known as a loosely organized movement composed of autonomous groups and individuals who oppose far-right and fascist ideologies. The group has been linked to protests and direct actions across the United States but is not recognized as a formal organization by law enforcement agencies. The Prairieland Detention Center is operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and has previously been the site of protests and demonstrations related to immigration policy.

Senator Eric Schmitt represents Missouri in the U.S. Senate and has previously served as Missouri's Attorney General.