Dallas, Texas — Federal agents have captured a fugitive linked to a violent attack on immigration officers, ending a weeklong manhunt that sparked widespread concern about the safety of law enforcement personnel. Benjamin Hanil Song, a former Marine Corps reservist, was arrested by the FBI following allegations of his involvement in an ambush at the Prairieland Detention Center on July 4.
Song, who had been on the FBI’s Most Wanted list, faces multiple charges, including three counts of attempted murder and three counts of using a firearm during a violent crime. His arrest brings the total number of individuals captured in connection with the incident to 14. Officials allege that Song was part of a group of at least 10 armed individuals who targeted federal agents just after 10:30 p.m. on Independence Day.
Assistant Secretary for Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the severity of the attack, describing it as an attempt to assassinate federal officers who are vital to maintaining public safety. “This arrest serves as a reminder: attacks on law enforcement will not be tolerated,” McLaughlin stated, underscoring the federal commitment to protecting immigration officials.
The Prairieland Detention Center, home to over 1,000 detainees on the night of the attack, includes individuals with serious criminal histories, such as rape, murder, and terrorism. Among those housed there were known members of notorious gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. The fact that such a facility is targeted raises alarms about the increasing hostility toward federal law enforcement.
The incident is part of a troubling trend of aggression against personnel from the Department of Homeland Security, with recent weeks seeing a surge in violence. Reports indicate that assaults on ICE agents have surged by 830%, with officers in San Francisco suffering physical attacks from confrontational protestors just the previous week.
DHS officials, along with local law enforcement, are committed to identifying and prosecuting all individuals involved in the July 4 attack and other incidents aimed at federal officers. The heightened scrutiny and response underscore ongoing concerns regarding the safety of those who enforce immigration laws amid a climate of politically charged opposition.
As the investigation continues, the DHS reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding its personnel. Federal officials are determined to hold accountable those who engage in violent behaviors against law enforcement, vowing that such acts will continue to be met with robust legal responses.