Story perspectives

Eastern Washington U.S. Attorney Resigns Over Activist Conspiracy Charges

5/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Eastern Washington U.S. Attorney’s Office resigned instead of approving conspiracy charges against three immigration-rights activists.
Bajun Mavalwalla II, Justice Forral and Jac Archer, activists, are on trial in Spokane for conspiracy to impede federal officers at a June 11 2025 protest.
Prosecutors are using conspiracy statutes as part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s effort to prioritize immigration-protest cases.
Former federal prosecutor Mary Fan said they are stretching conspiracy charges to target protesters.

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Story summary

The Eastern Washington U.S. Attorney’s Office resigned instead of approving conspiracy charges against three immigration-rights activists.
Bajun Mavalwalla II, Justice Forral and Jac Archer, activists, are on trial in Spokane for conspiracy to impede federal officers at a June 11 2025 protest.
Prosecutors are using conspiracy statutes as part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s effort to prioritize immigration-protest cases.
Former federal prosecutor Mary Fan said they are stretching conspiracy charges to target protesters.