Three Washington state protesters have been convicted on federal conspiracy charges after attempting to stop federal officers from transporting two detained illegal immigrants from Spokane to Tacoma last year.
A federal jury found Jac Archer, Justice Forral, and Bajun Mavalwalla II guilty for their roles in the effort to obstruct the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) transfer operation near downtown Spokane. The group, known by supporters as the “Spokane 3,” now faces potential penalties of up to six years in prison and fines reaching $250,000.
The convictions stem from a June protest that drew hundreds of demonstrators after a Facebook post from former Spokane City Council President Ben Stuckart encouraged activists to gather and block the immigration transport bus.
According to reports, Stuckart was also serving as a sponsor for one of the asylum seekers being transported by federal authorities.
The demonstration ultimately resulted in multiple arrests. Nine individuals, including Stuckart, were initially charged with conspiracy-related offenses. Stuckart and five others later accepted plea agreements in exchange for reduced sentences, while the three defendants chose to take their case to trial.
Federal prosecutors argued that the actions of the protesters went beyond peaceful demonstration and crossed into unlawful interference with federal law enforcement operations.
The verdict highlights a growing clash between immigration activists and federal authorities as the enforcement of immigration laws continues to generate political controversy across the country.
Supporters of the defendants have portrayed the group as activists standing up for immigrant communities, while critics argue that disagreement with government policy does not provide a legal justification for obstructing federal officers carrying out their duties.
Following the verdict, Washington State Representative Natasha Hill criticized Stuckart for not attending after the jury's decision was announced.
“You started this and you couldn’t even show up to finish it,” Hill said, while encouraging supporters to continue advocating for their cause despite the convictions.
For many Americans, the case raises a broader question about the line between protest and obstruction. Peaceful protest is a constitutional right, but physically interfering with federal law enforcement operations carries legal consequences regardless of the political cause involved.
Supporters of stronger immigration enforcement argue that the verdict sends an important message: federal immigration laws cannot be selectively enforced based on local political preferences or activist pressure. Apparently, "No one is above the law" remains a popular slogan—until the law is being enforced against people on your side.
As the defendants await sentencing, the case stands as one of the most high-profile examples of federal prosecutors pursuing criminal charges against activists accused of directly interfering with ICE operations.
The convictions also underscore the Trump administration's broader emphasis on restoring immigration enforcement and ensuring that federal agencies can carry out their responsibilities without intimidation or obstruction.
