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Veteran Faces Conspiracy Charges Over ICE Protest

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Bajun Mavalwalla, a US military veteran, faces federal conspiracy charges for his involvement in a June 2025 protest against ICE in Spokane, Washington.
He asserts that the right to protest is fundamental to American values and denies conspiring with others during the protest, which aimed to block the transport of arrested immigrants.
Six co-defendants have pleaded guilty, while Mavalwalla maintains his innocence, with his trial scheduled for May 18.
Richard Barker, the acting US attorney at the time, resigned instead of signing the indictment against Mavalwalla and others.

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Story summary

Bajun Mavalwalla, a US military veteran, faces federal conspiracy charges for his involvement in a June 2025 protest against ICE in Spokane, Washington.
He asserts that the right to protest is fundamental to American values and denies conspiring with others during the protest, which aimed to block the transport of arrested immigrants.
Six co-defendants have pleaded guilty, while Mavalwalla maintains his innocence, with his trial scheduled for May 18.
Richard Barker, the acting US attorney at the time, resigned instead of signing the indictment against Mavalwalla and others.