US veteran charged with ‘conspiracy’ over ICE protest refuses to plead guilty

The Guardian US News
by Aaron Glantz in Spokane, Washington
March 20, 2026
2 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

A US veteran faces federal conspiracy charges for protesting ICE and refuses to plead guilty.

How This Affects You

This case highlights the legal risks and potential government overreach faced by individuals exercising their right to protest.

AI Summary

US military veteran Bajun Mavalwalla, arrested on federal conspiracy charges after a June 2025 protest against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has refused to plead guilty. Mavalwalla faces up to six years in prison for his involvement in the demonstration. He told The Guardian that he views the right to protest as "fundamentally American" and is prepared to face trial. This case highlights ongoing tensions between protest rights and federal enforcement actions related to immigration.

What's Being Done

The veteran is preparing to face trial for federal conspiracy charges.

Should this be getting more attention?

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