By Trendsetter Tribune 
In a stunning turn for the first-ever federal terrorism trial against alleged “antifa” members, U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman declared a mistrial on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The decision was not based on legal testimony or evidence, but on the wardrobe of defense attorney MarQuetta Clayton, who wore a t-shirt featuring civil rights icons underneath her blazer.
The trial, taking place in Fort Worth, involves nine activists accused of being part of a “North-Texas antifa cell” that allegedly orchestrated a coordinated attack on the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado on July 4, 2025.
The Shirt that Stopped the Trial
The proceedings were interrupted during voir dire (jury selection) when Judge Pittman—a Trump appointee—noticed Clayton’s shirt while she was questioning potential jurors.
- The Imagery: The shirt featured depictions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Shirley Chisholm, and scenes from the 1960s civil rights movement. Clayton reportedly wore the shirt to honor civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, who passed away that same morning at the age of 84.
- The Ruling: Pittman argued the shirt sent a “politically charged message” that could improperly link the defendants’ alleged actions (which include attempted murder and terrorism) with the historic civil rights movement.
- The “Skunk” Metaphor: Likening the shirt to a prosecutor wearing a “pro-Trump” or “pro-ICE” pin, Pittman stated he couldn’t “remove the skunk from the jury box” once the potential jurors had seen it.
“I don’t think I have any choice but to declare a mistrial… This has to be a first in the history of American jurisprudence.” — Judge Mark Pittman (Feb 17, 2026)
A Test Case for “Antifa” Terrorism Charges
The case is being watched nationally as the primary test of the Trump administration’s effort to classify decentralized left-wing groups as domestic terrorist organizations.
- The Allegations: Federal prosecutors claim the “Prairieland 19” (nine currently on trial, others having pleaded guilty) conducted a “planned ambush” using fireworks as a diversion to vandalize property and shoot a police officer in the neck.
- The Defense: Attorneys argue the event was a peaceful “noise demonstration” in solidarity with detainees and that the government is “criminalizing protest” by applying terrorism statutes to vandalism and civil disobedience.
- Juror Reactions: Before the mistrial, several potential jurors reportedly expressed skepticism toward ICE, with one woman stating she disagreed with the agency’s tactics.
What Happens Next?
The sudden mistrial effectively resets the clock on a case that has already seen years of pre-trial friction.
- New Start Date: A fresh panel of potential jurors will be called to the Fort Worth courthouse on Monday, February 23, 2026, to restart the selection process.
- Potential Sanctions: Judge Pittman has scheduled a show-cause hearing for MarQuetta Clayton to determine if she should face formal sanctions for her attire and for allegedly using unapproved visual aids during her questioning.
- Strict Conduct Orders: The judge has signaled he will issue a revised order with stricter time limits and conduct rules for the second attempt at the trial.