Three Protesters to Face Trial After Federal Judge Denies Dismissal Motion

Defendants accused of blocking federal agents and damaging a transport vehicle during a protest last June

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:12am

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An abstract, fragmented painting in shades of blue, grey, and black depicting a chaotic scene of protesters and law enforcement officers, conveying the emotional intensity and conflict of the event.A fractured, avant-garde painting captures the tension and chaos of a protest against federal immigration policies, as demonstrators clash with law enforcement.Spokane Today

A federal judge in Spokane, Washington has ruled that three protesters will face trial in May after denying their motions to dismiss the charges against them. The defendants were among nine people indicted by the Trump administration last year for their roles in a protest at a federal facility that resulted in agents being blocked from leaving and a transport vehicle being allegedly damaged.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing tensions between the government and protesters over immigration policies, with the judge rejecting arguments that the defendants' actions were protected by the First Amendment. The outcome could set a precedent for how authorities respond to similar demonstrations against federal immigration enforcement in the future.

The details

Last June, dozens of protesters were arrested in Spokane after a demonstration at a federal facility resulted in agents being blocked from leaving and a transport vehicle allegedly being damaged. The Trump administration later indicted nine of the protesters on federal conspiracy charges, with six of them taking plea deals. The three remaining defendants - Jac Archer, Justice Forral, and Bajun Mavalwalla II - filed motions to dismiss the charges, arguing their actions were protected speech. However, Judge Rebecca Pennell denied their motions, ruling that the alleged conduct went beyond constitutionally protected protest.

  • In June 2025, dozens of protesters were arrested in Spokane after a demonstration at a federal facility.
  • About a month later, the Trump administration indicted nine of the protesters on federal conspiracy charges.
  • On April 15, 2026, a federal judge ruled that three of the remaining defendants will face trial on May 18.

The players

Jac Archer

One of the three protesters facing trial after the judge denied their motions to dismiss the case.

Justice Forral

One of the three protesters facing trial after the judge denied their motions to dismiss the case.

Bajun Mavalwalla II

One of the three protesters facing trial after the judge denied their motions to dismiss the case.

Ben Stuckart

The former Spokane City Council president who called on people to prevent agents from transferring immigrants to a facility in Tacoma, and who took a plea deal.

Judge Rebecca Pennell

The federal judge who ruled that the three defendants will face trial in May, denying their motions to dismiss the case.

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What they’re saying

“The conduct alleged in the indictment was protected by the First Amendment.”

— Jac Archer, Defendant

“The federal personnel involved are not actual 'officers'.”

— Justice Forral, Defendant

What’s next

The court will hold a pretrial conference on May 5 and also consider motions by the acting U.S. Attorney General to exclude certain defense arguments and evidence at trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the government and protesters over immigration policies, with the judge rejecting arguments that the defendants' actions were protected by the First Amendment. The outcome could set a precedent for how authorities respond to similar demonstrations against federal immigration enforcement in the future.