A federal jury convicted three protesters in Spokane, Washington, of felony conspiracy charges in late May [1].
The convictions mark a significant legal escalation in how the U.S. government prosecutes activists who use physical blockades to impede federal agency operations. By applying conspiracy charges to protest actions, prosecutors can seek harsher penalties than those typically associated with simple trespassing or disorderly conduct.
Bajun Mavalwalla II, Jac Archer, and Justice Forral, known as the "Spokane Three," were found guilty of attempting to impede Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers [1]. The charges stem from a protest in June 2025 [3], where the group attempted to block a bus transporting detained immigrants at a transfer site and outside an ICE office [1].
The legal proceedings began after a larger group of nine original defendants were charged in connection with the incident [4]. While the majority of the group did not face the same outcome, the jury determined that the three defendants conspired to obstruct the federal agents' duties.
Each of the convicted individuals now faces a potential maximum sentence of up to six years in prison [1]. The sentencing phase will determine the final penalty based on federal guidelines and the specific role each person played in the blockade.
Supporters of the defendants have highlighted Mavalwalla's status as a U.S. Army veteran to argue that the prosecution is an overreach. They said that the use of felony conspiracy charges against non-violent protesters creates a chilling effect on the First Amendment right to assemble. The defense said that the intent was to protest ICE's detention and deportation actions rather than to commit a criminal conspiracy [1].
“The convictions mark a significant legal escalation in how the U.S. government prosecutes activists.”
This case demonstrates a tactical shift toward using federal conspiracy statutes to penalize civil disobedience. By elevating a protest blockade to a felony conspiracy, the government increases the potential prison time for activists, which may serve as a deterrent for future demonstrations targeting federal agencies like ICE.
