Federal jury finds army veteran and two other ICE protesters guilty of conspiracy
Summary
A federal jury found three protesters, including a US military veteran, guilty of felony conspiracy for a 2025 protest against ICE in Washington state. They face up to six years in prison and large fines, and plan to appeal the verdict, arguing that their First Amendment rights were not properly considered during the trial.Key Facts
- Three protesters were convicted of conspiracy related to a June 2025 protest against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- One of the defendants is Bajun Mavalwalla, a former US Army sergeant who served in Afghanistan.
- The protesters face up to six years in prison and fines up to $250,000.
- The defendants filed a Rule 29 motion, claiming the evidence was too weak to support the guilty verdict.
- The US district judge ruled against allowing a First Amendment defense, though reasons for protesting were heard.
- The jury saw videos from law enforcement body cameras and heard testimony from ICE agents.
- The acting US attorney for Eastern Washington resigned rather than sign the case indictment.
- An ICE agent who testified was found to have made offensive social media posts, which concerned federal prosecutors.
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