ALVARADO, Texas — Ten suspects have been charged following a July 4 assault on the Prairieland Detention Facility in Johnson County, where a local law enforcement officer was shot during the attack, according to federal officials.
The coordinated assault involved suspects in tactical gear who attempted to vandalize the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility and disrupt its operations. The FBI has arrested 10 individuals, while one suspect remains at large. \Charges include terrorism, aggravated assault on a public servant with a deadly weapon, and aggravated assault against a peace officer.
“This escalation in violence is incomprehensible, and those responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “We are thankful to Alvarado Police Department responding officers and that the officer injured has been discharged from the hospital.”
The injured officer is expected to recover. No ICE employees were harmed in the incident, which occurred amid what officials say is a sharp rise in assaults against ICE personnel.
“I am relieved to hear that the officer who was shot is expected to recover from the injuries sustained,” said acting ICE Dallas Field Office Director Josh Johnson at a press briefing Monday.
Federal authorities are working with the FBI and Texas Rangers in the ongoing investigation. The attack came just two days before a separate shooting involving a U.S. Border Patrol agent in McAllen, Texas.
ICE reports a 700% increase in assaults on its personnel as enforcement operations face mounting interference across the country.
Ten people face terrorism and assault charges after a tactical-style July 4 assault on a Texas ICE facility left a police officer shot and one suspect still on the run.