Two Arrested in Connection with Texas ICE Facility Shooting and Escape Plot

Two Arrested in Connection with Texas ICE Facility Shooting and Escape Plot

Federal authorities announced charges against two individuals allegedly involved in aiding an attacker following a violent incident at a Texas ICE detention facility. This incident, which left one officer injured, occurred earlier this month at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado.

John Phillip Thomas and Lynette Read Sharp now face charges of being accessories after the fact regarding the July 4 shooting, according to newly released court documents.

Details of the Attack and the Alleged Conspiracy

Nancy Larson, the acting U.S. Attorney, detailed the suspects’ alleged roles during a Tuesday appearance on a news program. She stated that Sharp and Thomas participated in Signal Chats to conduct reconnaissance prior to the incident. The communication reportedly included planning activities such as analyzing Google Maps and the locations of nearby police stations.

Authorities continue searching for Benjamin Hanil Song, the primary suspect in this organized attack. Song, 32, is wanted for his alleged involvement in a coordinated strike against ICE officials, allegedly carried out by a group of 10 to 12 individuals.

Search and Arrest Details

Four days after the attack, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Thomas’ residence in Dallas. Initially, Thomas denied any acquaintance with Song but later admitted they had been friends since 2022. The two previously shared a residence from September 2024 until late June 2025, according to the court filings.

Thomas reportedly informed investigators that he was housesitting for a friend during the shooting. He admitted to meeting with three individuals the day after the attack to discuss the events and their plans to assist Song in escaping the area. Furthermore, Thomas confessed to transporting Song to a different location nearby.

Evidence Collected and Communications Revealed

During the search of Thomas’ vehicle, officers seized a loaded 30-round AR-15 magazine, along with a Walmart receipt for clothing in Song’s size, dated July 6. Thomas allegedly stated that he purchased these items for Song.

The court documents revealed that Thomas participated in two distinct Signal Chat groups that included Song. Alarmingly, Thomas allegedly removed Song from one of the chats the morning after the shooting.

Additional Information About Sharp’s Involvement

Reports indicate Sharp engaged in similar group discussions, where she expressed intentions to explain the operation at the Prairieland Detention Center. However, she indicated her inability to participate due to family issues. Nevertheless, Sharp offered to monitor the chat for the group.

Moreover, she allegedly assisted in organizing the transport of Song from Thomas to another unidentified individual.

Ongoing Investigation and Additional Arrests

In total, authorities have apprehended 14 individuals for their suspected links to the attack. Meanwhile, Song remains unapprehended and is still considered at large.

Fox News Digital has been unable to confirm whether attorneys are representing Thomas and Sharp at this time.

Search for the Primary Suspect Expands

Authorities suspect that Song is currently hiding in the Dallas-Fort Worth area but have broadened their search efforts to include neighboring states. The FBI Dallas Field Office provided insights into the ongoing search for the suspect.

Charges against Song include three counts of attempted murder of a federal officer and three counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. These severe accusations stem from his alleged firing of two AR-15-style rifles at correctional officers and a local police officer during the incident.

FBI’s Reward Offer and Public Appeal

The FBI has put forth a $25,000 reward for any information that leads to Song’s arrest and conviction, warning the public that he should be considered armed and dangerous.

Nancy Larson emphasized the increased pressure surrounding Song, suggesting that he may soon find himself running out of options as more details emerge from the investigation.

A spokesperson for the FBI stated that they continue to solicit the public’s assistance in locating the suspect. This incident underscores the serious risks surrounding security protocols at ICE facilities and the potential for violent confrontations.

Reporting contributed by Stephen Sorace.