On June 12, 2025, Bajun Mavalwalla II, Jac Archer, and Justice Forral participated in a protest outside an ICE office in Spokane, Washington, in response to the detention of two Venezuelan immigrants. The three individuals, referred to as the "Spokane Three," were charged in July with conspiracy to impede law enforcement officers during the protest, where demonstrators attempted to block an ICE vehicle.
On May 29, 2026, they were found guilty of conspiracy charges that could lead to significant prison sentences. This case marks a notable instance of prosecutors pursuing conspiracy charges against protesters, a tactic that has faced scrutiny in other jurisdictions as well.
Videos from the protest show minor scuffles between protesters and ICE agents, but no serious injuries were reported. Richard Barker, the acting US Attorney for Eastern Washington at the time, noted that none of the protesters or law enforcement officers were harmed during the incident. The Spokane Three's case is part of a broader trend where federal prosecutors have faced pressure to take action against anti-ICE protests, leading to concerns about the implications for free expression and protest rights.
Legal experts have commented on the use of conspiracy charges in such contexts, suggesting that they may deter individuals from participating in protests due to fear of legal repercussions. The Spokane Three plan to appeal their convictions, with support from organizations like the ACLU of Washington, which expressed concerns about the chilling effect of these charges on free speech and protest activities.
