A US military veteran, Bajun Mavalwalla, has refused to plead guilty to federal conspiracy charges tied to a June 2025 protest against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, setting up a trial scheduled for May 18 in federal court in Spokane, Washington. As reported by The Guardian, the case took an unusual turn when a federal prosecutor resigned rather than sign the indictment.
Mavalwalla, a 36-year-old former US Army sergeant who served in Afghanistan’s Kandahar Province, faces up to six years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. He is charged with conspiring to “impede or injure a federal officer,” but has maintained his innocence and defended the right to protest.
The charges stem from a June 11, 2025, protest in Spokane, where demonstrators attempted to block the transport of two Venezuelan immigrants arrested by ICE during a routine hearing. The protest turned confrontational, with damage to a government vehicle and demonstrators linking arms in front of federal agents, though Mavalwalla was not among those arrested at the scene.
The prosecution quickly became about more than one protest
A month later, federal prosecutors charged nine demonstrators, including Mavalwalla, with conspiracy. Legal experts said the move marked a significant escalation in how protest-related cases were being handled, amid new concerns over presidential authority.
Mavalwalla has denied any coordinated plan, saying he learned about the protest through social media and did not take part in any planning. He said conspiracy requires communication and intent, which he maintains were not present in his case.
While six co-defendants accepted plea deals for probation, Mavalwalla has refused to admit guilt. He has said he will not plead guilty to a crime he believes he did not commit.
Richard Barker, then acting US attorney in eastern Washington, resigned rather than sign the indictment. He said pursuing a conspiracy charge with a potential six-year sentence did not align with his judgment as a federal prosecutor.
Barker said a Justice Department memo directed US attorneys to prioritize anti-ICE protest cases nationwide. He authorized an investigation but grew concerned about proceeding, particularly since no agents or protesters were injured, amid visa bond policy changes.
The Department of Justice said it respects the right to peaceful protest but will not tolerate interference with federal operations. The use of conspiracy charges in protest cases has increased since Mavalwalla’s arrest.
One of the migrants involved in the Spokane incident was later released after a federal judge ruled the detention unconstitutional. The other migrant did not challenge his detention and was deported.
Mavalwalla’s trial is set to begin May 18 before Judge Rebecca Pennell.
Published: Mar 20, 2026 08:30 am