Community and faith groups are rallying behind three protesters on trial this week over a demonstration against Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Spokane.

The protest took place last June after ICE detained two asylum-seekers during a scheduled immigration check-in. Hundreds of people joined the impromptu demonstration, which led to 30 arrests.

Most of the charges were dropped, but three protesters — Justice Forral, Jac Archer and Bajun Mavalwalla Jr. — are fighting federal charges of “conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer.” Supporters now refer to them as the Spokane Three.

Emily Kuenker, pastor of Grace Commons Spokane, said the protesters were exercising their First Amendment rights and were nonviolent. She called for an acquittal.

“It seems like these charges coming from the federal level are really about crushing dissent and a desire to silence those who might oppose this administration and its policies, particularly those that are aimed at our refugee and immigrant neighbors,” Kuenker contended.

Prosecutors will need to prove the defendants planned to use force, intimidation or threats to block federal officers from doing their jobs. If convicted, each defendant faces up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Kuenker joined community and faith groups at a rally in support of the defendants. She stressed regardless of the trial’s outcome, people across Washington will continue working to build a nonpartisan coalition to support and protect local immigrant communities.

“We will continue to work for a city where everyone is safe and where everyone belongs and continue to work together for a future that belongs to everybody,” she emphasized.

Last year, then-U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi directed federal prosecutors to pursue the strongest charges possible against anyone involved in planning, funding or committing crimes against ICE facilities.

Source: Public News Service