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Three Spokane Protesters Face Trial After Judge Denies Dismissal of Federal Charges
Activists argue charges violate First Amendment rights, but judge rules case will proceed to trial.
Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:04am
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A fractured, avant-garde painting captures the chaos and energy of the Spokane protest, where activists clashed with law enforcement over free speech rights.Spokane TodayThree individuals in Spokane, Washington are still facing federal charges from a protest against ICE detainments, despite attempts to have the case dismissed on First Amendment grounds. A judge denied motions to dismiss the charges, and the three protesters - Jac Archer, Justice Forral, and Bajun Malvalwalla - are now preparing to stand trial.
Why it matters
The case highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and activists over the limits of free speech and the right to protest. The protesters argue the charges are an unconstitutional crackdown on their First Amendment rights, while authorities contend the protesters crossed legal boundaries during the demonstration.
The details
The protest outside Spokane's ICE facility in June 2026 was in response to the detainment of two Venezuelan men. Police used inert smoke and pepper balls, resulting in more than 30 arrests and the mayor declaring a state of emergency and curfew. Three people - Jac Archer, Justice Forral, and Bajun Malvalwalla - are still facing federal charges from the protest. They filed a petition to dismiss the case, arguing it violates the First Amendment, but a judge denied that motion as well as other attempts to have the charges dropped.
- The protest outside the Spokane ICE facility happened in June 2026.
- The three protesters filed a petition to dismiss the federal charges on Tuesday.
The players
Jac Archer
One of the three protesters facing federal charges from the Spokane ICE facility protest.
Justice Forral
One of the three protesters facing federal charges from the Spokane ICE facility protest.
Bajun Malvalwalla
One of the three protesters facing federal charges from the Spokane ICE facility protest.
Liz Moore
A spokesperson for the Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane who spoke out in support of the protesters.
The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington
The federal prosecutor handling the case against the three protesters.
What they’re saying
“We believe in showing up for each other and that we will always show up for each other.”
— Liz Moore, Spokesperson, Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane
“The idea that that was a conspiracy when it was a spontaneous, the most spontaneous protest Spokane has ever seen.”
— Liz Moore, Spokesperson, Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane
What’s next
The three protesters now face trial on the federal charges after the judge denied their motions to dismiss the case.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and activists over the limits of free speech and the right to protest. While the protesters argue the charges violate their First Amendment rights, authorities contend the demonstration crossed legal boundaries, setting the stage for a trial that could have broader implications for protest rights in the region.
