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Federal Jury Convicts Three Activists in Contentious ICE Protest Case

A federal jury in Spokane has delivered a guilty verdict against three local activists, finding them responsible for conspiracy after a dramatic confrontation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents last summer. The case stems from a protest aimed at blocking the transfer of detainees to a Tacoma facility.

The Night of the Protest

On June 11, a group of local residents gathered outside the detention center, determined to obstruct ICE’s convoy. Among them were Bajun Mavalwalla II, Justice Forral, and Jac Archer, who were later charged with conspiring to impede or harm ICE agents.

Prosecutors argued that the trio coordinated efforts to obstruct the transport, positioning themselves around the bus and surrounding vehicles to prevent its departure. The situation escalated when ICE officers entered the crowd, using force to clear a path, including pushing demonstrators. Police intervened by deploying smoke canisters, resulting in multiple arrests for unlawful assembly.

The Trial: Defense vs. Prosecution

Over an eight-day trial, defense attorneys argued that no formal conspiracy existed. They claimed each protester acted independently, despite being part of a larger group. Jac Archer’s legal team emphasized that their client intended only nonviolent resistance, even compiling contact lists for those who might face detention.

The jury ultimately sided with the defense, determining that nonviolent protest does not constitute conspiracy—a charge that requires proof of threat or intimidation.

A Federal Crackdown on Immigration Enforcement Defiance

This conviction aligns with a broader federal initiative targeting individuals who resist immigration enforcement. A Justice Department memo instructed prosecutors nationwide to prioritize such cases, drawing criticism from legal experts who question the balance between enforcement and civil liberties.

The controversy deepened when the Eastern Washington U.S. Attorney resigned, citing concerns over political pressure and questioning the department’s commitment to impartial justice.

Where Protest Ends and Criminal Conspiracy Begins

The case highlights a growing tension between federal immigration policies and community activism in the Pacific Northwest. As the legal system grapples with these distinctions, the outcome raises critical questions about the limits of peaceful protest—and where the line between civil disobedience and criminal conspiracy is drawn.