SPOKANE — Federal agents testified Wednesday about confrontations with protesters during a June 11 demonstration at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, as three Spokane residents face conspiracy charges for allegedly impeding officers.
ATF Agent Jared Tomaso described a physical altercation with defendant Jac Archer, testifying that Archer elbowed him and lowered his center of gravity to resist being moved from the facility’s gate.
Cell phone and body camera footage shown to the jury captured protesters blocking the transport of detainees to a Tacoma facility.
“We respond to force with greater force,” Tomaso testified, explaining that agents felt threatened by protesters who refused to move.
Defense attorneys challenged Tomaso during cross-examination, noting his training requires using minimal force. They argued agents could have used the facility’s front door, showing security footage that revealed no crowd near that entrance.
ICE Agent Jeremy Burlingame testified he pulled out his taser during the protest but put it away, believing it would not be effective. He described threats from protesters but acknowledged he had no body camera recordings to support his claims.
Judge Rebecca Pennell warned the trial is behind schedule and extending beyond May 29 would create logistical issues.
The three defendants face federal conspiracy charges in connection with the protest aimed at preventing ICE from transporting detainees.
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