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Army Veteran Arrested for Anti-ICE Protest Conspiracy

3/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Bajun Mavalwalla, a U.S. Army veteran, was arrested in Spokane, Washington on conspiracy charges tied to an anti-ICE protest.
The protest aimed to block deportations of asylum seekers and was largely peaceful.
Legal experts view the charges as a troubling escalation against First Amendment rights.
Richard Barker, the acting U.S. attorney, resigned after pressure to pursue charges he deemed unjust.
Mavalwalla's trial is set for May 18.

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Story summary

Bajun Mavalwalla, a U.S. Army veteran, was arrested in Spokane, Washington on conspiracy charges tied to an anti-ICE protest.
The protest aimed to block deportations of asylum seekers and was largely peaceful.
Legal experts view the charges as a troubling escalation against First Amendment rights.
Richard Barker, the acting U.S. attorney, resigned after pressure to pursue charges he deemed unjust.
Mavalwalla's trial is set for May 18.