Latest news with #Antifa
The Independent
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Farage defends protesters outside Essex asylum hotel as ‘concerned families'
Nigel Farage has defended people protesting outside an asylum hotel in Essex, claiming most were 'genuinely concerned families'. The Reform UK leader insisted violent scenes outside the hotel were caused by 'some bad eggs', alleging clashes were between the 'usual far-right thugs' and far-left anti-fascist activists, known as Antifa. Some of the demonstrators have been seen wearing black face coverings, similar to those often worn by members of Antifa, but it has not been verified whether the group has attended the protests. Mr Farage also claimed 'civil disobedience on a vast scale' will break out unless migrants stop arriving to the UK on small boats. Six people were arrested on Sunday evening after a string of protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, which is believed to house asylum seekers. Eight police officers were injured following clashes at what had started as a peaceful demonstration on Thursday evening, while the latest rally on Sunday saw more than 100 protesters assemble, with some chanting 'save our kids'. The events were organised in response to the arrest of an asylum seeker, who was later charged with sexual offences against a teenager and adult in the town, eight days after arriving to the UK via boat. Hadush Kebatu, 38, from Ethiopia, who denies the allegations and remains in custody, is charged with three counts of sexual assault, alongside inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and harassment without violence. Mr Farage did not condone violence seen outside the hotel – however, he did say it should 'serve as a stark warning to this government that the British people will not put up with this betrayal for the next four years'. When asked whether the scenes were understandable, he told The Times: 'I don't think anybody in London even understands just how close we are to civil disobedience on a vast scale in this country. 'Of course, there were some bad eggs that turned up at Epping. There were the usual far-right thugs, but equally, what about Antifa? Why? Why are Antifa allowed to go to these demonstrations, to wear balaclavas, to not be identified, to do gestures, last night, of them shooting at members of the public. Why are they there? So it isn't all far-right thuggery, as you might sometimes hear from our prime minister. 'But do I understand how people in Epping feel? You bet your life I do.' He continued: 'Don't underestimate the simmering anger and disgust that there is in this country that we are letting in every week, in fact, some days, many hundreds of undocumented young males, many of whom come from cultures in which women and young girls are not even treated as second-class citizens. 'So the answer is, yes, I do understand the genuine upset and anger, and I'll bet you that most of the people outside that hotel at Epping weren't far-right or far-left or anything like that. They were just genuinely concerned families.' Hope Not Hate, an anti-fascism campaign group, said the series of gatherings outside the hotel began with largely peaceful intent, but were co-opted by actors intent on causing violence. Footage and photography from Thursday and Sunday's events show people with links to groups such as the British National Party (BNP), Britain First, Patriotic Alternative and neo-nazi group Blood & Honour were all in attendance. The Bell Hotel has regularly attracted anti-migrant protests organised by groups such as these since 2020, according to Hope Not Hate. Downing Street described the scenes at Epping as 'clearly unacceptable'. The prime minister's official spokesman said: 'Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, but it's clearly unacceptable to see police coming under attack as they ensure that peaceful protest is able to take place. 'And I think Essex Police put out the statement making very clear: people who protest peacefully, lawfully and responsibly cause us and the wider public no concern. However, we can never and will never tolerate criminal violence, and I think the Prime Minister will obviously echo that.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Democrat U.S. Rep. Jayapal Slammed After Hateful Rhetoric Against ICE
Leaders over at ICE are pushing back after U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington) called the agency a 'terrorist force' in a recent social media post, drawing outrage from law enforcement supporters and immigration officials. In a CNN interview with Brianna Keilar, Jayapal defended her Instagram post calling ICE a 'terrorist force,' claiming that people of all legal statuses, even U.S. citizens, are now being abducted off the streets by masked agents without any clear oversight or accountability. In response, acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons called Jayapal's comments 'reckless' and 'dangerous,' pointing out that ICE officers have faced a stark 700% surge in assaults, a spike that could be fueled by the rhetoric from politicians on the far left like Jayapal. 'An actual Antifa terrorist tried to blow up ICE's Northwest Processing Center in Rep. Jayapal's home state of Washington in 2019. At the time, she tried to blame the violent attack on rhetoric from the right, in defense of an actual terrorist who tried to murder detainees and employees alike! Lyons said in a statement published on July 3. 'Now, she labels ICE officers enforcing immigration law set by Congress 'terrorists.' This, at a time when officers are facing a nearly 700% increase in assaults, in part due to the type of rhetoric she spews.' White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson also chimed in, demanding an apology from Jayapal and calling her remarks 'disgusting' as well as a direct threat to the safety of federal officers across the country. 'Jayapal's disgusting comments warrant an immediate apology. Heroic ICE officers are simply doing their jobs and enforcing federal immigration law, with the utmost professionalism,' Jackson said in a recent statement. Jayapal, however, doubled down during her television interview, claiming that ICE isn't managed transparently or in accordance with the laws to ensure safety or due process for even legal citizens. In his closing statement to Jayapal, Lyons said, 'Never in a million years did I think I would witness a sitting member of Congress prioritize regard for violent criminals over the law enforcement officers protecting her community from actual public safety threats. The only apology needed is from the congresswoman to the people who voted for her.' Border Czar Tom Homan also warned that comments like Jayapal's are fueling real-world violence. During a recent appearance on 'The Will Cain Show,' Homan warned that assaults on ICE agents have surged over 500% and criticized a new cell phone app allegedly used to track and potentially target officers. The attacks on ICE officials and law enforcement agents are now starting to hit close to home. Eleven anarchist militants were charged in what officials describe as a planned July 4 ambush outside an ICE Detention Facility near Fort Worth, where a police officer was shot in the neck. Authorities say the suspects, dressed in black body armor, opened fire on ICE personnel and local law enforcement in a coordinated attempt to kill, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. Solve the daily Crossword
Fox News
16-07-2025
- Fox News
Who is Benjamin Song? New details emerge about anti-ICE suspect captured after major Texas manhunt
Benjamin Song, who was captured by the FBI in Dallas on Tuesday afternoon for his alleged role in an anti-ICE Texas attack on Independence Day, was previously sued over his alleged involvement in an Antifa protester that resulted in assault charges in 2023. The Federal Bureau of Investigation spent over a week trying to hunt down Benjamin Song, 32, for his alleged role in the Alvarado, Texas, attack targeting ICE agents, which left a local police officer shot in the neck and cars vandalized. The police officer is expected to recover. A $25,000 reward was offered for information leading to his arrest and conviction. "The FBI has worked tirelessly to arrest everyone associated with the shooting at the Prairieland Detention Center," FBI Dallas Field Office Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock said. "We would like to thank all the entities that publicized this case and assisted in our efforts to successfully locate Benjamin Song." There were ten suspects already facing federal charges for the attempted murder of federal officers and for "discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence." Song is now facing the same charges. Song is a former U.S. Marine Corps reservist, and the FBI warned during the manhunt that he should be considered "armed and dangerous." Song was mentioned as an alleged member of an Antifa group in a 2023 lawsuit after three people protesting a drag queen brunch near Fort Worth, Texas, were assaulted by the members, according to the Post Millennial. According to KERA News, Song was part of the Elm Fork Brown Gun Club that was both counter-protesting and doing security at the event, with the outlet reporting that they wore face coverings. The group made headlines at the time for its Fort Worth counter-protest, including Rolling Stone, as those protesting were part of a Christian nationalist group. Song's father is Tailim Song, a registered Democrat and partner at the Dallas-based law firm, Song Whiddon PLLC, according to online records reviewed by Fox News Digital. His law firm bio says he "has been handling and trying cases for more than 20 years" and "has represented businesses and individuals across a wide variety of industries and practice areas, including litigation, real estate, land use, zoning, manufacturing, intellectual property, technology…environmental, aviation, consumer products, insurance, entertainment, transportation, medical devices, oil and gas, and renewable energy." His bio goes on to say that he is a member of the "Dallas Asian American Cultural Center, Friends' Committee" and is a former commissioner of the Cultural Affairs Commission in Dallas, among other professional memberships. Song's mom is Hope Song, the program director of an Arlington, Texas, martial arts studio called Sentinel Martial Arts, according to online records reviewed by Fox News Digital. An archived webpage of her bio says she is a 4th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and "oversees the implementation of all in-house and off-site programming," which includes "seminars and classes at local learning centers, schools, churches, camps and clubs; and coordination of special events, festivals, demonstrations and performances." Her bio also says she likes to empower young girls and women with self-defense classes to help them stay safe amid bullying and other potential dangers. In addition to Song, a twelfth suspect, Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada, is also facing conspiracy to tamper evidence charges. He is reportedly the husband of one of the alleged attackers. He was granted a green card under the Biden administration and is a prior recipient of DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Some of the suspects charged in the Independence Day incident met in an online chat group on Signal, and court records show it could have been worse. A July 7 criminal complaint filed by the U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas alleges that assailants shot 20 to 30 rounds from an AR-15-style rifle before it jammed, causing it to malfunction, on Independence Day. Investigators continued on Tuesday to look into how the suspects were linked, including through a possible Signal group chat. Court records revealed extensive planning as well as anti-government literature obtained in an apartment tied to a suspect, including literature entitled "Organising for Attack! Insurrectionary Anarchy." Another suspect allegedly had flyers in his backpack with "Fight ICE terror with class war!" and "Free all political prisoners." Cars in the parking lot were spray-painted with "Ice pig" and "traitor." Fox News Digital reached out to the FBI as well as Song's parents.
Fox News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Who is Benjamin Song? New details emerge about anti-ICE suspect wanted in major Texas manhunt
Benjamin Song, who is currently being sought after by the FBI for his alleged role in an anti-ICE Texas attack on Independence Day, was previously sued over his alleged involvement in an Antifa protester that resulted in assault charges in 2023, as the manhunt continues in the Lone Star State. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking for Benjamin Song, 32, for his alleged role in the Alvarado, Texas, attack targeting ICE agents, which left a local police officer shot in the neck and cars vandalized. The police officer is expected to recover. A $25,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest and conviction. There were ten suspects already facing federal charges for the attempted murder of federal officers and for "discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence." Song is now facing the same charges. Song is a former U.S. Marine Corps reservist, and the FBI warns that he should be considered "armed and dangerous." Song was mentioned as an alleged member of an Antifa group in a 2023 lawsuit after three people protesting a drag queen brunch near Fort Worth, Texas, were assaulted by the members, according to the Post Millennial. According to KERA News, Song was part of the Elm Fork Brown Gun Club that was both counter-protesting and doing security at the event, with the outlet reporting that they wore face coverings. The group made headlines at the time for its Fort Worth counter-protest, including Rolling Stone, as those protesting were part of a Christian nationalist group. Song's father is Tailim Song, a registered Democrat and partner at the Dallas-based law firm, Song Whiddon PLLC, according to online records reviewed by Fox News Digital. His law firm bio says he "has been handling and trying cases for more than 20 years" and "has represented businesses and individuals across a wide variety of industries and practice areas, including litigation, real estate, land use, zoning, manufacturing, intellectual property, technology…environmental, aviation, consumer products, insurance, entertainment, transportation, medical devices, oil and gas, and renewable energy." His bio goes on to say that he is a member of the "Dallas Asian American Cultural Center, Friends' Committee" and is a former commissioner of the Cultural Affairs Commission in Dallas, among other professional memberships. Song's mom is Hope Song, the program director of an Arlington, Texas, martial arts studio called Sentinel Martial Arts, according to online records reviewed by Fox News Digital. An archived webpage of her bio says she is a 4th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and "oversees the implementation of all in-house and off-site programming," which includes "seminars and classes at local learning centers, schools, churches, camps and clubs; and coordination of special events, festivals, demonstrations and performances." Her bio also says she likes to empower young girls and women with self-defense classes to help them stay safe amid bullying and other potential dangers. In addition to Song, a twelfth suspect, Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada, is also facing conspiracy to tamper evidence charges. He is reportedly the husband of one of the alleged attackers. He was granted a green card under the Biden administration and is a prior recipient of DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Some of the suspects charged in the Independence Day incident met in an online chat group on Signal, and court records show it could have been worse. A July 7 criminal complaint filed by the U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas alleges that assailants shot 20 to 30 rounds from an AR-15-style rifle before it jammed, causing it to malfunction, on Independence Day. Investigators continued on Tuesday to look into how the suspects were linked, including through a possible Signal group chat. Court records revealed extensive planning as well as anti-government literature obtained in an apartment tied to a suspect, including literature entitled "Organising for Attack! Insurrectionary Anarchy." Another suspect allegedly had flyers in his backpack with "Fight ICE terror with class war!" and "Free all political prisoners." Cars in the parking lot were spray-painted with "Ice pig" and "traitor." Fox News Digital reached out to the FBI as well as Song's parents.
Fox News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Suspect wanted in anti-ICE Texas ambush previously sued in past protest incident
More details are being learned about another suspect in the anti-ICE Texas attack that took place on Independence Day, including his alleged involvement in an Antifa protest that resulted in assault charges in 2023, as a manhunt continues in Texas and Oklahoma. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking for Benjamin Song, 32, for his alleged role in the Alvarado, Texas, attack targeting ICE agents, which left a local police officer shot in the neck and cars vandalized. The police officer is expected to recover. A $25,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest and conviction. There were ten suspects already facing federal charges for the attempted murder of federal officers and for "discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence." Song is now facing the same charges. Song is a former U.S. Marine Corps reservist, and the FBI warns that he should be considered "armed and dangerous." Song was mentioned as an alleged member of an Antifa group in a 2023 lawsuit after three people protesting a drag queen brunch near Fort Worth, Texas, were assaulted by the members, according to the Post Millennial. According to KERA News, Song was part of the Elm Fork Brown Gun Club that was both counter-protesting and doing security at the event, with the outlet reporting that they wore face coverings. The group made headlines at the time for its Fort Worth counter-protest, including Rolling Stone, as those protesting were part of a Christian nationalist group. His father is Tailim Song, a Dallas-based business attorney, and his mother is Hope Song, the program director of an Arlington, Texas, martial arts studio, according to online records reviewed by Fox News Digital. The father is involved in various local community groups, including the Dallas Asian American Cultural Center. A twelfth suspect, Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada, is also facing conspiracy to tamper evidence charges. He is reportedly the husband of one of the alleged attackers. He was granted a green card under the Biden administration and is a prior recipient of DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Some of the suspects charged in the Independence Day incident met in an online chat group on Signal, and court records show it could have been worse. A July 7 criminal complaint filed by the U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas alleges that assailants shot 20 to 30 rounds from an AR-15-style rifle before it jammed, causing it to malfunction, on Independence Day. Investigators continued on Tuesday to look into how the suspects were linked, including through a possible Signal group chat. Court records revealed extensive planning as well as anti-government literature obtained in an apartment tied to a suspect, including literature entitled "Organising for Attack! Insurrectionary Anarchy." Another suspect allegedly had flyers in his backpack with "Fight ICE terror with class war!" and "Free all political prisoners." Cars in the parking lot were spray-painted with "Ice pig" and "traitor." Fox News Digital reached out to the FBI as well as Song's parents.
