Full Breakdown
ICE Agent Jeremy Burlingame Recalled to Testimony Over Undisclosed X Account in Spokane Protest Trial
5/23/2026, 5:25:43 AM
Background & Context
On June 11, 2025, a Spokane protest against ICE detentions of two young men led to the arrest of three demonstrators, the “Spokane 3,” who were charged with federal conspiracy for impeding ICE agents. The trial, weeks old, sees the defense targeting the credibility of ICE personnel.
Court Decision to Recall ICE Agent
At a pretrial conference, U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pennell authorized the defense to call ICE supervisory detention officer Jeremy Burlingame back to the stand to answer questions about his undisclosed X (formerly Twitter) account, framing the allowance as a test of the Justice Department’s integrity amid criticism.
Timeline
Judge Pennell later approved defense’s request to recall him; he testified on Thursday (trial day 4) and was recalled on Friday (trial day 5) for cross-examination.
Content of the X Account
The account posted at least three videos of Black women saying “Black culture is in need of some help,” a tweet calling a Muslim politician “Happy Easter,” another labeling transgender people “mental illness on display,” a remark that Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett was “ghetto garbage,” and a reply to a comment about a Black woman’s arrest that read, “Your an idiot… you like jungle behavior?” It also posted that former Spokane City Council President Ben Stuckart needed to be charged for incitement at the federal level. The account posted no content after June 12 2025 and was deleted.
Official Reactions
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Cartier-Giroux called the tweets “horrendous” and said they constitute impeachment material. Judge Pennell noted criticism of Justice Department and described the ruling as a testament to DOJ integrity. ICE spokesperson David Yost said the agency provides “internal guidance” for social-media use and follows a “common-sense approach,” though he declined to share the guidance.
Defense Critique
Defense attorney Andrea George argued the deletion may amount to “destruction of evidence” and highlighted Burlingame’s failure to disclose his account, which prosecutors say violates discovery obligations and has triggered an ICE investigation.
Gaps & Unresolved Issues
ICE has not produced alleged internal guidance for review. Precise number of disparaging tweets remains unclear; sources cite “numerous” posts and “at least three” specific examples. No comment from Burlingame was obtained.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’ve looked at the tweets and they are impeachment,” — Lisa Cartier-Giroux, Assistant U.S. Attorney
- “a lot of folks have criticized the Department of Justice over the past year and a half,” — Rebecca Pennell, U.S. District Judge
- “destruction of evidence,” — Andrea George, Defense Attorney
- “internal guidance” … “common-sense approach.” — David Yost, ICE Spokesperson
What’s Next
The defense will cross-examine Burlingame on the content and deletion of his X account. ICE’s internal investigation into Burlingame’s conduct continues. The Spokane 3 trial proceeds, with agent credibility expected to be a focal point in upcoming hearings.
