The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has issued a statewide Blue Alert for Benjamin Hanil Song, a 32-year-old former U.S. Marine Corps reservist who is wanted in connection with a violent ambush outside an ICE facility in Alvarado on July 4. The incident left a local police officer wounded and has triggered an intense manhunt across the state.
🛑 Who Is Benjamin Hanil Song?
Song is now wanted for three counts of attempted murder of federal officers and three counts of discharging a firearm during a violent crime. He is considered armed and extremely dangerous after fleeing the scene following the attack at the Prairieland Detention Center.
Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson confirmed,
“Though Song escaped the scene by hiding overnight, he will be relentlessly pursued until he is in custody.”
What Is a Blue Alert in Texas?
A Blue Alert is issued to alert the public when a law enforcement officer is critically injured or killed, and the suspect poses a continuing threat. This alert system helps mobilize community awareness and law enforcement coordination to quickly apprehend dangerous individuals like Song.
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Coordinated Ambush with Military-Style Gear
According to federal prosecutors, the ambush was premeditated and militarized. Song and ten others allegedly arrived in black tactical clothing, launched fireworks at the facility, vandalized vehicles, and attacked correctional officers. One Alvarado police officer was shot in the neck upon arriving at the scene.
- Attackers used AR-style rifles, with one outfitted with a binary trigger for rapid fire.
- At least 20 to 30 rounds were fired at unarmed correctional officers.
- Multiple weapons were recovered from vehicles and residences linked to the suspects.
How Investigators Tracked Song
Investigators traced Song’s cellphone near the facility through July 5, and later located a vehicle tied to him near another suspect’s residence. Despite this, Song remains on the run, prompting federal authorities to offer a $25,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
Who Else Has Been Charged?
So far, 12 people have been charged in connection with the ambush:
- 11 suspects, including Song, face attempted murder and firearms charges.
- 1 additional suspect is charged with obstruction of justice and conspiracy to destroy evidence.
Those charged include:
Cameron Arnold, Savannah Batten, Nathan Baumann, Zachary Evetts, Joy Gibson, Bradford Morris, Maricela Rueda, Seth Sikes, Elizabeth Soto, and Ines Soto.
Each faces 10 years to life in federal prison.
Tactics & Sniper-Like Setup Revealed
The attackers used graffiti with inflammatory messages like “ICE pig” and “traitor” to lure guards outside. One suspect used a flashlight signal, followed by a gunman firing from a wooded area, striking the responding officer.
Another assailant across the street opened fire on unarmed personnel — clearly indicating military-style coordination and planning.
Evidence Recovered: Tactical Gear & Extremist Messaging
Authorities seized a trove of evidence, including:
- Faraday bags (used to block signals)
- Tactical gloves, goggles, body armor
- Spray paint, fireworks, radios
- Nine firearms
- Flags and fliers with slogans like “Resist fascism” and “Free all political prisoners”
These findings point toward planned anti-government extremism.
Law Enforcement Response
Federal and local agencies — including the FBI, ICE, ATF, Texas DPS, and local law enforcement — are jointly investigating the case.
FBI Special Agent Joe Rothrock stated:
“This incident highlights the dangers local law enforcement face daily. These charges reflect the gravity of such calculated attacks.”
💰 $25,000 Reward Offered
Authorities are urging the public to help locate Benjamin Hanil Song. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for tips leading to his arrest and conviction.
📞 If you have information, call 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit fbi.gov/prairieland.
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