Blue Alert Issued for Benjamin Hanil Song in Alvarado, Texas
Benjamin Hanil Song, 32, is wanted in connection with a July 4 ambush on the ICE Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, TX. Federal authorities issued a Texas Blue Alert Wednesday evening after a gunman opened fire on correctional officers and an Alvarado police officer, who was shot in the neck and is expected to recover. The FBI has charged Song with three counts of attempted murder of a federal officer and three counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
Details of the Attack at Prairieland Detention Center
Around 10:30 p.m., a disturbance outside the ICE facility lured unarmed officers into the open. Song, positioned in nearby woods, allegedly fired two AR-15–style rifles at three officers, discharging roughly 20–30 rounds. While ten assailants’ captured, Song eluded capture by hiding overnight near the site. Authorities found two rifles in the woods—both purchased by Song—one fitted with a binary trigger to double its rate of fire.
FBI Pursuit and Reward
A federal arrest warrant issued July 9 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas in Fort Worth. The FBI considers Benjamin Song armed and dangerous and is offering up to $25,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction. He may still be in the Alvarado area or traveling through Dallas–Fort Worth, where airport cameras possibly captured him on Sunday.
What Is a Blue Alert in Texas?
Blue Alerts help track suspects who seriously injure or kill law enforcement officers. Texas DPS publishes these alerts when:
- An officer is killed or seriously wounded.
- The offender poses a serious public threat.
- A vehicle description or partial tag is available.
- The agency of jurisdiction requests activation.
Profile of Benjamin Hanil Song
- Age & Residence: 32, Dallas resident.
- Military Background: U.S. Marine Corps Reservist (2011–2016), other-than-honorable discharge.
- Appearance: Approximately 5’8″, 190 lbs, black hair, brown eyes.
- Last Seen: Unknown; possibly at DFW Airport.
- Charges: Attempted murder of a federal officer; discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.
Next Steps and Community Appeal
Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson praised law enforcement’s swift response, which led to ten arrests. “Though Song escaped, he will be relentlessly pursued,” she said. FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock urged the public: “Benjamin Hanil Song wanted for a violent assault. Contact 1‑800‑CALL‑FBI or submit a digital tip at fbi.gov/prairieland if you see him.”
Anyone in Alvarado, TX, or beyond with information on Song’s whereabouts, please contact local law enforcement immediately. The ongoing manhunt highlights the importance of Blue Alerts in protecting our officers and communities.
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