Authorities Charge Individuals Linked to Texas ICE Ambush

Authorities have charged two individuals, with a third person arrested since Monday, in connection to an armed ambush at Texas Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. This recent development brings the total number of suspects involved to at least 14.

Philip Thomas and Lynette Reading are accused of assisting a suspect, Benjamin, in evading law enforcement. Reports indicate that Thomas and another suspect were part of a group text communication that displayed evidence of “reconnaissance” prior to the attack.

Authorities also noted that Benjamin’s involvement in the violent July 4 ambush against a Texas ICE facility has been captured on video, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

The hunt for Benjamin culminated in his capture on Tuesday after several days of searching, as announced by the FBI. Thomas allegedly confessed to living at Benjamin’s residence for a period of months, and initial investigations suggest he met with the other two suspects in Cleburn, Texas. It’s further claimed that discussions occurred about transferring firearms from Thomas to another participant through Signal Chat.

As of now, the court records do not reflect the names of Thomas and Sharp’s legal representation.

The DOJ revealed that the suspect, a former Marine reservist, purchased four firearms implicated in the ambush and reportedly discharged them at law enforcement. They suggested that Benjamin might have been hiding in the woods until dark the day after the incident, based on his phone’s location data.

Authorities had previously detained 10 individuals they allege were part of this conspiracy. Various items, including weapons, body armor, radios, Kevlar vests, and signs featuring messages such as “Fighting the Fear of ICE in Class Wars,” were discovered in connection with the plot. The FBI later located materials suggesting preparations for the attack at the residence of the 11th suspect.

The DOJ indicated that a chat group, allegedly involving Thomas and Sharp, discussed plans for the ambush on July 4. This conversation reportedly included detailed information about the area and photographs of the ICE facility, which were said to have been gathered by members who conducted reconnaissance.

Requests for comments from the DOJ office in the Northern Texas district and the FBI’s Dallas Field office regarding this matter went unanswered.