Protesters Convicted on Federal Charges for ICE Operation Blockade

Three protesters, known as the “Spokane 3,” were found guilty of federal conspiracy charges related to protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Washington state. This conviction arose from an incident in June 2025, when protesters attempted to halt the transport of two detained immigrants from Spokane to Tacoma, according to KUOW.

Jac Archer, Justice Forral, and Bajun Mavalwalla II were part of a larger group responding to a social media call by former Spokane City Council President Ben Stuckart. The call urged supporters to block the transfer bus. Stuckart was sponsoring one of the immigrants seeking asylum in the U.S.

During a protest in Seattle on March 19, 2026, demonstrators displayed a “Stop ICE” sign. The event coincided with a bill-signing ceremony featuring Governor Bob Ferguson.

Stuckart and nine other protesters faced conspiracy charges. Reports indicate Stuckart and five others accepted plea deals for reduced sentences. Washington state Representative Natasha Hill expressed disappointment in Stuckart’s absence from the trial proceedings.

Stuckart stated on Facebook that attending the trial would have breached his parole. He conveyed regret over the verdict and expressed support for both those who accepted plea deals and those who went to trial.

In a previous protest in Portland, Oregon, on October 12, 2025, federal agents detained an anti-ICE demonstrator outside an ICE building during a protest against immigration enforcement.

Stuckart emphasized caring for the detained immigrants, asserting that he sought to continue efforts for their welfare.

Bajun Mavalwalla Sr., a congressional candidate and father of one of the convicted protesters, argued that prosecutors aimed to set a precedent with his son’s case. He suggested this highlighted attempts to suppress American voices calling attention to immigration policy issues.

He raised concerns about rights to protest and dissent, citing other instances where similar cases were dismissed. The father’s comments underscore broader debates around the legality and ethicality of immigration enforcement protests.