Decades-long sentences spark alarm over anti-ICE protest crackdown

Eight Texas activists were handed 50- to 100-year federal sentences for a July 4 protest at an ICE facility, with a ninth defendant receiving 30 years for moving boxes after a court phone call. Critics say the punishments are unreasonably harsh and show an overbroad use of terrorism charges to curb dissent, while prosecutors argue the sentences deter violence and reflect the seriousness of the offenses. Sentencing included unusually stacked terms, and experts note a possible terrorism enhancement. The defendants plan appeals as the government defends the rulings.