Prosecutors Oppose Bid to Overturn Activists' Verdicts
Federal prosecutors are fighting motions by three activists convicted of conspiring to impede federal officers during a Spokane protest.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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Federal prosecutors in Washington are opposing motions from three activists, Jac Archer, Justice Forral, and Bajun Mavalwalla, seeking to throw out their guilty verdicts. Jurors convicted the three in May of conspiring to impede or injure federal officers.
Why it matters
The motions could lead to acquittals or new trials, affecting the outcome of a case tied to a protest that blocked immigration enforcement activity in Spokane. The ruling will also shape how federal conspiracy charges are applied to demonstrations.
The three activists remain convicted on conspiracy charges while their motions for acquittal or a new trial are pending before Judge Rebecca Pennell. A hearing on those motions is scheduled for November 24, and the outcome is not yet determined.
The players
Judge Rebecca Pennell
A federal judge presiding over the case who scheduled the November 24 hearing on the defendants' motions to overturn their verdicts.
Jac Archer
One of three activists convicted of conspiring to impede federal officers in connection with the June 2025 Spokane protest.
Justice Forral
One of three activists convicted of conspiring to impede federal officers in connection with the June 2025 Spokane protest.
Bajun Mavalwalla
One of three activists convicted of conspiring to impede federal officers in connection with the June 2025 Spokane protest.
The details
The conspiracy charges stem from a June 2025 protest in Spokane that blocked Immigration and Customs Enforcement from transporting detainees for nine hours. The protest was aimed at blocking immigration deportations, and prosecutors argue the activists conspired to impede federal officers.
Timeline
June 2025: Spokane protest blocks ICE detainee transport for nine hours.
May 2026: Jury convicts Archer, Forral, and Mavalwalla of conspiracy.
November 24, 2026: Judge Pennell hears motions for acquittal or new trial.
Legal Context
The case shows how federal conspiracy statutes are used against protest activity that disrupts immigration enforcement, following the June 2025 Spokane blockade. Post-verdict motions now test whether the jury's conviction on conspiracy to impede federal officers will stand.
Residents of Spokane may see the outcome shape how demonstrations against federal immigration enforcement are prosecuted locally. The ruling could affect whether convictions from the June 2025 protest remain in place.
The takeaway
Post-trial rulings can change the outcome of criminal cases long after a jury verdict, so the November 24 hearing is worth following. Readers tracking protest-related prosecutions can compare how courts treat conspiracy charges across similar cases.
What happens next
Judge Rebecca Pennell will hear arguments on the acquittal and new-trial motions on November 24, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more Criminal Justice coverage for context on how federal conspiracy cases are handled in courts.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Washington Examiner.
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