As protests erupted nationwide in response to President Trump’s immigration policies, the Justice Department launched an aggressive campaign to prosecute demonstrators accused of assaulting federal agents. However, three recent trials of defendants charged with assault in Washington, D.C., have ended in acquittals, raising concerns regarding the strength of the cases against them.
One defendant, Sidney Lori Reid, was arrested during a July 2025 protest. Prosecutors pursued her on felony assault charges; however, jurors quickly found her not guilty, after determining that she did not intentionally harm the federal agent involved. Other defendants, including Sean Charles Dunn, who was accused of throwing a sandwich at a Border Patrol agent, also faced similar outcomes in court as evidence failed to support the charges.
Legal experts stress that these cases highlight a troubling trend emerging from the DOJ’s approach to protesters. As analysis reveals, many felony charges have been downgraded to misdemeanors or dismissed altogether due to insufficient evidence, indicating a troubling disconnect between the rhetoric from the government and the reality in court.
With over 40% of cases against protesters downgraded to less serious charges, questions persist about the DOJ’s commitment to uphold justice and the constitutional right to protest. While the department remains adamant about holding individuals accountable for violent actions against law enforcement, the outcomes of trials suggest a precarious balance between enforcement and civil liberties.
One defendant, Sidney Lori Reid, was arrested during a July 2025 protest. Prosecutors pursued her on felony assault charges; however, jurors quickly found her not guilty, after determining that she did not intentionally harm the federal agent involved. Other defendants, including Sean Charles Dunn, who was accused of throwing a sandwich at a Border Patrol agent, also faced similar outcomes in court as evidence failed to support the charges.
Legal experts stress that these cases highlight a troubling trend emerging from the DOJ’s approach to protesters. As analysis reveals, many felony charges have been downgraded to misdemeanors or dismissed altogether due to insufficient evidence, indicating a troubling disconnect between the rhetoric from the government and the reality in court.
With over 40% of cases against protesters downgraded to less serious charges, questions persist about the DOJ’s commitment to uphold justice and the constitutional right to protest. While the department remains adamant about holding individuals accountable for violent actions against law enforcement, the outcomes of trials suggest a precarious balance between enforcement and civil liberties.
