February 17th: Federal Trial Day 1

Section 1: Summary

Summary generated by AI with some light editing

Date: February 17, 2026 (approximately 8:50 AM – 3:30 PM)

Court / Case: US v. Cameron Arnold et al, Case No. 4:25-CR-259-13 (Prairieland case)

Judge: Mark Pittman

Parties Present:

Prosecution: Shawn Smith (lead), Frank Goto, Celeste Green; FBI Agent Wheathorn [phonetic] also present at counsel table
Defense attorneys present (by defendant):
Autumn Hill: Cody Cofer, James Luster
Zachary Evetts: Patrick McClain, Bradley Sauer (noted for psychological witness)
Benjamin “Champagne” Song: Phillip Hayes
Savanna Batten: Chris Tolbert [Note-Taker SB recorded “Hogel”; other notes record Tolbert]
Meagan Morris: J. Warren St. John
Maricela Rueda: MarQuetta Clayton
Liz Soto: Harmony Schuerman, Blake Burns
Ines Soto: Leigh Davis
Daniel “Des” Sanchez Estrada: Christopher Weinbel, Rachel Taft, Greg Jones
Defendants visible on video feed: Zachary Evetts, Benjamin Song, Savanna Batten, Meagan Morris, Maricela Rueda (per Note-Taker JP).

Type of Proceeding: Jury trial — Day 1. Voir dire (jury selection) of a 75-person jury pool. Ended in mistrial.

Key Takeaways

Judge Pittman declared a mistrial after discovering that defense attorney MarQuetta Clayton (representing Maricela Rueda) wore a t-shirt depicting MLK, Shirley Chisholm, and civil rights protest imagery under her jacket during voir dire. The judge ruled the shirt could influence the jury pool and that no admonishment could cure the prejudice.
A new jury panel will be assembled as soon as possible, with voir dire expected to restart the following Tuesday. Judge Pittman warned he will be stricter with the defense going forward and that sanctions against Ms. Clayton are on the table — next time it will be contempt of court.
The jury pool expressed concerns about ICE. Of approximately 18 jurors who expressed views on ICE, the vast majority were strongly negative. Roughly 10 said they could put feelings aside; roughly 8 said they could not. No juror openly expressed support for ICE or President Trump.
Few jurors had strong feelings about “Antifa.” Only 2–3 jurors responded to the Antifa question, and reactions were muted. No juror claimed affiliation with Antifa.
Defense also ran into trouble with an unapproved demonstrative — a poster distinguishing protests, noise demonstrations, and riots — which the judge ordered stricken because it had not been filed as a motion or shown to the prosecution in advance.
Judge also banned defense counsel from emailing the court coordinator — all future requests must be filed as formal motions.

Narrative Summary

Pre-Trial Matters (approx. 8:50–9:30 AM)

The day began at approximately 8:50 AM. Judge Pittman referenced the 1948 LBJ senatorial election case and a 1980 Delta Airlines case. He invoked “the Rule” (Federal Rule of Evidence 615), requiring law enforcement witnesses to be excluded from the courtroom during each other’s testimony to prevent coordination. Expert witnesses were excluded from this requirement without objection. Law enforcement witnesses were sworn in en masse.

Multiple note-takers recorded a lengthy witness list spanning local law enforcement (Lt. Gross, Alvarado officers, Johnson County Sheriff’s officers, Venus PD, Texas Rangers), FBI special agents (approximately 25), DPS, ATF, scientists, and civilians — an estimated 50+ witnesses total.

Each defense attorney and their client were identified for the record, along with their witness lists. The judge set time limits: 10 minutes per defendant for opening statements (90 minutes total for the defense). He warned that “grandstanding will not be tolerated” and that there would be no four-hour closings. He cited a “busy docket.”

There was an objection to a reference to “close courtroom.” The trial was relocated to a larger courtroom on the 2nd floor (seating 95), with voir dire simulcast to a 4th-floor overflow room for the public. A short recess was taken.

Voir Dire — Judge’s Questions (approx. 9:35 AM – 12:15 PM)

The jury pool was brought in at approximately 9:35 AM. Judge Pittman opened with remarks about Frederick Douglass (“three boxes to preserve liberty — the ballot box, the cartridge box, and the jury box”) and Thomas Jefferson’s preference for the right to a trial by jury over the right to vote. He estimated the trial would last 2.5 to 3 weeks.

Hardship excusals: Numerous jurors requested excusal for personal reasons including disabilities, caregiving responsibilities, scheduled events, employment hardship, and medical issues. Notable: Juror #29 (son’s wedding March 20) — Judge responded “We’ll be done before then.”

Case-specific questions: The judge explained that this is a criminal case, that the indictment is not evidence, that all defendants have pled not guilty, and that the government bears the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. He addressed the right to remain silent. Juror #32 questioned why defendants would remain silent “if they have nothing to hide” — after further instruction, he indicated he could follow the constitutional rule. The judge instructed jurors not to overvalue police testimony and to reserve judgment on witness credibility.

Prior contact with case: Juror #5 saw people with a table across the street offering coffee and holding signs but did not discuss the case with them. Juror #57 reported being approached outside by two men asking “how things were going” — she told them she didn’t know anything. Note-Taker AR also recorded that “people with masks on tried to enter through the courthouse.” Juror #19 corroborated this.

Familiarity with parties: Juror #20 recognized attorney Cody Cofer as a former neighbor. Juror #68 knows defendant Maricela Rueda from high school (North Side High, Fort Worth). Juror #54 recognized witness Cynthia Logan.

Media exposure: Approximately 10 jurors indicated they had heard about the case. Sources included local TV (Channel 8, Channel 11), Fox News and NewsMax, social media, and news articles. Most said they could put prior coverage aside. Juror #29, a retired Fort Worth police officer (18 years patrol), said he could not set aside his experience — “we talk when one of us gets shot.”

Law enforcement connections: No jurors were current or past law enforcement (except #29, retired). Multiple jurors had close friends or family in law enforcement, including:

#3: mother, retired California police
#19: cousin, Dallas PD
#20: husband, Assistant DA
#50: father-in-law, husband, son — all Fort Worth PD (retired)
#51: father-in-law Arlington PD, husband corrections officer Tarrant County
#5: cousin, Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department
#21: good friend, Johnson County Sheriff, patrol
#27: several friends, Arlington PD
#61: brother, ADA for Tarrant County
#74: husband, Mansfield PD
#9: stepbrother, Cleburne PD

None of the jurors with law enforcement connections said those relationships would prevent them from being impartial.

Prior jury service: Approximately 12 jurors had served before on both criminal and civil cases. Verdicts ranged from guilty to not guilty to hung jury to settlement.

~11:00 AM break. Resumed ~11:25–11:35 AM.

Note-Taker HR observed: “After 1st break — Evetts’s tie is gone.”

ICE opinions: This was the most extensive and emotional line of questioning. Approximately 18 jurors expressed views on ICE, overwhelmingly negative. Key responses:

Jurors who cannot put feelings aside: #18 (strongly against, follows social media, “What’s going on in Minneapolis”), #49 (strong feelings), #8 (very strong feelings), #10 (family members who died after deportation — “I don’t think I can be on this jury”), #13 (strong feelings, could not be fair and impartial), #15 (hard time), #41 (said she cannot accept the law as given by the judge)
Jurors who can put feelings aside: #2 (family of immigrants, “we all have biases”), #34 (not supportive of ICE mission but can be impartial), #54 (brother is immigration attorney), #5, #22, #38, #53, #27, #59 (fear as a person of color but trusts the system), #70, #72, #14 (immigrant of 50 years, fearful, but could try)
One juror (#10) disclosed that two family members died from being deported.

Note-Taker HR recorded that Juror #11 said she was “Strongly against ICE — cannot put feelings aside.” Note-Taker GK recorded #11 as “Strongly against ICE can be impartial.” This is a discrepancy between note-takers.

Key quote — Juror #38: “Respectfully, I don’t think a college rivalry is comparable to human rights, sir.” (In response to the judge’s analogy about setting aside strong feelings.)

Key quote — Judge Pittman: “Some of us have strong feelings we don’t like broccoli but that doesn’t mean I can’t serve on a trial of broccoli farmers.” Also: “What’s going on in Minneapolis is not necessarily what’s going on in this courtroom.”

Antifa: The judge asked about feelings regarding “a group or entity from the news that might be called Antifa.” Response was minimal:

#2: heard of it, no strong feelings
#54: recounted a frightening incident at a Texas church where someone armed entered claiming Antifa affiliation
#41: “I strongly disagree with their tactics”
No juror claimed affiliation with Antifa

Lunch break at 12:15 PM. Judge admonished jurors not to talk about the case, not to give their names to press or reporters, and not to research the case.

Afternoon — Prosecution Questions (approx. 1:15–1:30 PM onward)

Judge returned late (~1:25 PM). Before attorney questioning began, Judge Pittman addressed criticism that the hearing was not being recorded, confirming that court reporter Monica (a certified court reporter) was present and that records would be available to the public. He also noted that the ban on electronic devices is a US court rule, not his personal rule.

Prosecutor Shawn Smith followed up with jurors who had expressed anti-ICE views. He asked whether their feelings would justify shooting a law enforcement officer — no juror said they would. He asked about negative law enforcement experiences:

#5: sister was assaulted and prosecution was unhelpful
#53: was pulled over, car searched without cause, felt racially profiled (drove a Buick Regal)

Smith asked about family members convicted of crimes (2 jurors), participation in protests (#26: BLM and protest against Puerto Rico governor; #38: BLM during pandemic), and whether anyone would automatically believe or disbelieve a police officer (no one would). He asked about knowledge of anarchy, antifa, socialism, and communism — a few jurors studied these in college (#34 was a history major at UT).

Weapons and evidence-related questions: Smith asked about AR-15 ownership. Jurors #56, #61, and/or #62 indicated ownership. #62 identified himself as a firearms instructor at a private outdoor range (possibly the ETTS range in Waxahachie, which Smith indicated may come up in the case). Smith asked about binary triggers on AR-15s — #62 was familiar, seeing them used approximately 1–2 times per month. Smith asked about fireworks and specifically mortar-style fireworks, noting that under federal statute these are classified as “explosives.” No juror objected to this classification. #57 recounted a firework-related garage fire.

Smith asked about Faraday bags (devices that block electronic tracking). Four jurors were familiar: #13 (brother, associated with “prepping”), #30 (emergency manager), #31 (heard of them), #72 (understood concept).

Anti-Trump feelings: Eight jurors expressed negative views of President Trump. #8: “deep seated dislike.” #38: “Trump is using the presidency to instill fear and intimidate” and “using ICE to do so.” #5: “Not a great president.” #53: “he abuses power.” #14: disagreed with administration, said treatment of immigrants is inhumane — when asked if she could set it aside even if the judge instructed her to, she said “No.” #59: disapproves but “will try very hard to just look at evidence.” No juror expressed support for Trump or ICE.

Afternoon — Defense Questions (approx. 2:00+ PM)

Defense attorney MarQuetta Clayton (representing Maricela Rueda) and attorney Cody Cofer (representing Autumn Hill) led the defense questioning, with 90 minutes allotted for all defense attorneys combined (~10 minutes each).

Ms. Clayton introduced herself by referencing Jesse Jackson’s recent passing and framing protests as part of American history. She asked the jury pool to distinguish between noise demonstrations, protests, and riots.

Juror #41 defined peaceful protest as “voices, no weapons nor noise, being silent.”
Clayton brought out a demonstrative — a poster depicting peaceful protesters juxtaposed with a violent scene — without having filed a motion or shown it to the prosecution. Judge Pittman immediately ordered it stricken.
Juror #51 said protests can cross into riots when counter-protesters provoke or push back. Only 9 of 75 jurors disagreed when polled.
Jurors affirmed that protests can be loud and still peaceful.
Reasons people protest: #41 — “when someone feels the majority is not hearing the whole story”; #6 — abortion rights; #11 — mental health needs not being met.
One juror (#28) said people should not protest because “God will fix” things.
Five jurors said they were tired of hearing about protests.

Clayton asked jurors to rate on a scale of 1 (strongly agree) to 5 (strongly disagree) the statement: “Cannot bring a gun to a protest.” Thirty-two jurors were polled before Judge Pittman stopped the question, asking Ms. Clayton if this was the best use of the court’s time. Of those polled: 13 said 1 (strongly agree), 9 said 2, 8 said 3, 1 said 4, and 3 said 5 (strongly disagree).

The judge gave defense attorneys time to confer and called a recess.

Mistrial

When court reconvened, Judge Pittman addressed multiple issues:

Ms. Clayton’s t-shirt: The judge had been informed that a defense attorney was wearing a political t-shirt under her jacket. The shirt depicted Martin Luther King Jr., Shirley Chisholm, and civil rights protest scenes. Note-Taker GK also recorded that someone was wearing an anti-ICE lapel pin. Note-Taker SB recorded that Mr. McLain [phonetic] was described as “wearing a billboard.”
The unapproved demonstrative shown earlier without permission compounded the issue.

The judge initially stated: “I’m not going to declare a mistrial but I’m not sure we can have a fair trial.” Defense attorneys scrambled. Arguments were heard:

Prosecutor Shawn Smith expressed dismay but did not take a stand on whether a mistrial should be declared.
Several defense attorneys argued the shirt was not visible under the jacket and that the jurors could be instructed to disregard it. Attorney Blake Burns argued that since neither side was requesting a mistrial, it was unnecessary.
Mr. Davis (Ines Soto’s attorney) stated he could not say what decorum was breached; five defense attorneys were against a mistrial.
Judge Pittman stated that if he did not declare a mistrial, the verdict could be overturned by the 5th Circuit on appeal. He said admonishment and jury instruction could not undo the damage — comparing the situation to the prosecution wearing pro-ICE buttons.

The judge recessed to research the legal standard (out approximately 3:00–3:30 PM). Upon returning, Ms. Clayton had turned the shirt inside out.

Judge Pittman declared a mistrial. He reviewed the legal standard for “manifest necessity” (the threshold required for a judge-initiated mistrial). He stated:

“I don’t have any other choice.”
He issued an order for conduct: “No graphic tees. Items of clothing should not sway or send a message. Jurors should decide on facts in evidence, not on other ways.”
He banned defense counsel from emailing the court coordinator — all requests must be filed as formal motions regarding voir dire.
He warned that sanctions against Ms. Clayton are on the table, and that next time it will be contempt of court.
He said he has “been too lenient and will be firmer next time.”

The jury pool was brought back in. Judge Pittman gave a speech referencing Lincoln (“a house divided against itself will not stand”) and Frederick Douglass, saying he was “absolutely disgusted at the state of America” but that the jury system still works. He told the jurors they were released from their earlier orders and were free to discuss the case.

Key quote — Judge Pittman (to jury): “We do live in a divided country. Nevertheless, it’s a system that works. I am absolutely disgusted at the state of America.”

Key quote — Judge Pittman: “If you’re a praying person you can say a little prayer on your way home.”

Rulings and Decisions

Mistrial declared. Entire 75-person jury pool dismissed.
Show cause order issued (noted by Note-Taker GK).
Order for conduct — no graphic tees or political messaging on clothing in future proceedings.
Defense counsel banned from emailing court coordinator — must file motions instead.
Sanctions against Ms. Clayton under consideration; contempt of court threatened for future violations.
The Rule was invoked for law enforcement witnesses; expert witnesses excluded from the Rule.
Motion for additional time for opening statements was granted (10 minutes per defendant).

Evidence and Testimony

No testimony was heard — the day was entirely consumed by voir dire, which ended in mistrial before jury selection could be completed.

Jury Observations

The jury pool of 75 was dismissed in its entirety. Key observations from the aborted voir dire:

Strong anti-ICE sentiment across the pool; no juror expressed pro-ICE or pro-Trump views
Multiple jurors had law enforcement connections but all claimed they could be impartial
Juror #29 (retired Fort Worth police officer) was the only juror who definitively said he could not put law enforcement experience aside
Few strong feelings about “Antifa” — the topic was largely met with silence
On the 1–5 scale regarding guns at protests, jurors leaned toward agreement that guns should not be brought to protests
Several jurors expressed genuine fear — #59 feared being “outed” and targeted by ICE as a person of color; #14 (an immigrant of 50 years) expressed persistent fear

Next Court Date

A new jury panel will be assembled as soon as possible. Multiple note-takers indicate the judge wants to restart on Tuesday (February 24, 2026). Voir dire will be conducted under stricter rules.

Case Status Changes

Mistrial declared — trial resets with a new jury pool.
Judge warned of stricter courtroom management going forward.
Potential sanctions pending against attorney MarQuetta Clayton.

Incidents and Atmosphere

Media presence: Jamie Stingle (AP journalist) and Zoe Chase (This American Life / NPR radio) were observed in the 4th-floor overflow room. A sketch artist working for CPS [phonetic] was also present.
Overflow room setup: Public observers watched via a big screen in the 4th-floor overflow room. A court official announced decorum rules — only water, no milling around, no outbursts.
Juror #57 approached outside: Two men asked how things were going; she said she didn’t know anything. Two people in masks reportedly tried to enter the courthouse and were prevented (corroborated by Juror #19).
Juror #5 contacted: Saw supporters with a table across the street offering coffee and holding signs but did not engage.
Defendant observations: Defendants Zachary Evetts, Benjamin Song, Savanna Batten, Meagan Morris, and Maricela Rueda were visible on video feed. Note-Taker HR observed that Zach Evetts was crying at 1:15 PM. Note-Taker HR also observed Evetts’s tie was gone after the first break. Judge Pittman used Autumn Hill’s chosen name (“Miss Hill,” “Autumn”) and Meagan Morris’s chosen name (“Megan”) during proceedings.
Judge’s demeanor: Multiple note-takers describe Pittman as making jokes early in the day, then growing visibly angry after the t-shirt incident. He stated he had never had to call a mistrial in his entire career. He expressed being “frustrated and disgusted.”
Note-Taker GK recorded that the judge addressed reports that the hearing was not being recorded — he confirmed the court reporter (Monica) was present and certified, and noted the no-electronics rule is a US court rule, not his personal rule.

Section 2: Full Notes

Note-Taker: Key Takeaways (Audio Summary) (File: key-takeaways-audio.pdf)

I would say that a lot of the potential jurors have strong feelings about ICE, vast majority are against. Some of them said they couldn’t put those feelings aside, some of them said they could. A couple people vaguely said something about supporting law and order. I don’t think anybody just came out and said that they supported ICE. One potential juror who was a law enforcement officer kind of flip-flopped, went back and forth about whether he could put that aside. I think ultimately he said he couldn’t. There was one potential juror, well there’s a bunch of potential jurors who have Law enforcement friends and family.

And they haven’t been struck. No one’s been stricken yet. There are some people who are definitely—who are most likely going to be stricken just based on their answers. Like I can’t put this aside in favor of impartiality. But yeah, no one’s been formally stricken yet.

A lot of people know the case from the news, some people from social media, one person from like Fox News and Newsmax, which is, you know, draw your own conclusions there. A lot of people just from like local news and social media recognize the case.

They asked about whether people had strong feelings about ICE. They also asked about whether people had strong feelings about Antifa. Not as many people really took the debate on that, probably because you know it’s a little absurd. Some people said they don’t like their tactics, but most people didn’t say anything.

Note-Taker: LG — Morning (File: Day 1 Morning (LG).pdf)

Day 1 Morning (LG) – 2/17/26

“Shooting incident at an ICE facility”

This from juror selection
Asked what news source she heard a/b case from
Cop (retired) says he can put LE experience aside, then demurs
(“normal to hear a/b when one of us gets shot”) – Judge, #29 shooting the shit w/ cop who mentions not being able to get out of trafficticket from cousin
No one w/ LE family or friends says they would be biased.

Judge asked whether people have been following news a/b ICE regularly

Judge says “pro or con” re: ICE

People pro Ice:
People con Ice: 13
Strong feelings w/o bias: 1
Unclear: 4
Can’t do it: 7 (maybe another?)

“What’s going on in Minneapolis is not necessarily what’s going on in this courtroom”
“Some of us have strong feelings we don’t like broccoli but that doesn’t mean I can’t serve on a trial of broccoli farmers”
“I don’t think a college rivalry is comparable to human rights”

Woman says she has 2 family members who have died from being deported

Judge asked about Antifa → “despite news coverage, defendants are entitled to the best jury we can give them”
→ “anyone who has heard the word Antifa and do you have strong feelings”
“a group or entity from the news that might be called Antifa”
Dirupt
Woman says someone came armed to a religious service and person claimed to be affiliated w/ Antifa (happened in Texas)

“I strongly disagree w/ their tactics” – #41

Judge asks if anyone is a member of or has affiliation w/ Antifa
No one

Note-Taker: GK (File: 20260217_GK_F.pdf)

Feb 17
US Trial 425.CR259-13

Judge addressing Jury
1948 Carrow Senatorial Election
LBJ Famous Court Loch
Another trial Delta Crash
3 Yr Trial Joking about
Peeve – people making fun of jury service
Frederick Douglass quoted
Ballot, Jury boxes
Constitution – Right to trial by jury
President Jefferson – rather give right to vote than right to trial by jury

Voir dire (Texas)
Judge, then prosecution, then defense attys
2-3 Weeks
Has placed time limits on testimonies, opening statements

Asked for reasons cannot serve:
＃1 Bulged disk → ADA
＃4 Sole caregiver his daughter
＃19 Job Interview tomorrow
＃7 Mom sole caregiver
＃37
＃21 Stay at home mom, 5 kids, self emp husband
＃17 Scheduled to take cruise
＃66 Wife not employed – sole bread winner, paid by job/service
＃44 funeral tomorrow
＃72 two surgeries last yr recovery not yet
＃64 Dad Alzheimers pays for his care driving trucks
＃26 speech path responsible for ＃ of kids
＃29 son’s wedding 20th March; Judge: we will be done by then
＃73 Take gma to doctors appt

Asked → anyone anticipating emergencies/majo:

Physical disability not able to climb stairs
Can’t easily leave
Fam. Illness or personal probs.
Hearing? ＃50 ＃52 Eats Mic
Eyesight Issues?

Indictment, All def. pled not guilty
Criminal Case
Indictment – similar to complaint
Indictment is not evidence
Can all follow that?
Jury must unanimously decide guilt beyond reasonable doubt – prior to that consider crd innocent unless preponderance of evidence proves beyond reasonable doubt
Reasonable doubt in criminal case, govt has burden of proof of each and every element, burden on US govt
Defendants
Anyone cannot hold govt to burden?

Defendant has right to not speak – to remain silent
1 juror ＃32 → why hide? Cannot (or can) follow constitutional rule not to hold against ex of right and will not ment in delibs
Not prejudge witnesses until hearing their entire testimony?
Evidence – witness test, written docs, ONLY to use EVIDENCE not aty stmts, anything he strikes fr testimony, outside info

Were you approached by anyone to talk about case?
＃5 offered coffee, saw signs
US Aty’s Sean Smith Frank Lead agents, 2+1 staff
“Miss Hill”
Cannot see them & works w wife
＃20 knows Mr Cofer. Former neighbor
Is knowing him make her impartial?

Lt Gross Alvarado Officers: 5
J Cty Sherriff Officers & Detectives: 4
Venus PD Officers: 2
Tex. Rangers: 3
FBI Special Agents, others: 25
Civilians: 5
Scientists: 4
DPS
ATF: 2
Cody Cofer, Tyler Logan, Alicia Ortega, Jonathan P, Dr Sean Mc, Dr Stev Gartner
(missed some)
Evvets Aty, Brad Savr for Psych, Mr McLane, 5 witnesses, LPInv. RR
＃68 know Defend. Rueda
B Song Aty, Meagans Aty, Rueda’s Aty named witness, Soto’s Aty named witness, Soto’s Aty no new witnesses
D. Sanchez’s aty team – add 1 witness

Next Case: Alvarado Texas Prairieland ICE Shooting Incident at an ICE facility
＃19 Asked for news source CH8
Would you be able to disregard reporting? Y
＃52 Heard on news Fair/Imp? Y
＃24 Social Media Fair/Imp? Y
＃41 This half/this quarter CH8 had disc. w/mil
＃44 Fox News & NewsMax – last summer Fair? Y
＃72 News Article + soc. Med. Y
＃28 News on TV Y
＃29 Ret. FW Police Officer S media grp for police officer
18 yrs patrol ofcr – did you give me a ticket?
＃13 Heard story on news yesterday
＃31 News when happened Unbias? Y
Has anyone discussed facts of this specific case? N
Law enforcement? (Just ＃29)
Close friend or family who is law enforcement? (Not dist.)
＃3 Mom N Cali police ret.
＃19 close cousin Dallas PD officer
＃20 District Aty Husb.
＃50 FIL, Husb, Son in law FWPD ret
Gave UT bias example
＃51 FIL Ar Correction Officer Tarrant
＃52 Investig. Tar. Cty DA Ofc
＃5 Cousin Sherriff’s ofcr Tarrant Cty
＃21 Good friend JC Sher Ofc just start patrol
＃27 Sev friends Arling. PD
＃61 ADA for Tarrant for 4 yrs brother
＃74 Husb. PD Mansfield
＃? Friends sherriff Dep.
＃9 Stepbro Cleveland PD Patrol
No one with Law Enforcement friends & family said they would have relationship keep them from prejudging defendants, put relationship aside and only use evidence

-20 minute break – Judge Instructs do not speak about case outside courtroom

11:29 Judge returns from break

Questions by Judge
Anyone serve jury duty? Grand or Trial
＃52 Navarro Cty – Criminal Case DWI
Verdict Guilty 2017 or 18
＃40 Criminal Case ? Cty, Guilty
Civil Case against contractor Tarrant County Guilty
＃37 Jury Duty DWI Case Wise Cty Decatur NG
＃65 Criminal Cse Tarrant Offensice or Provocative Contact NG
＃9 Criminal, here 25 rs lawyer tried for police extorting money from local Asian pop – HUNG
＃25 Civil Case 12/25 Hit ped. Suing didn’t deliberate G
＃16 Tarrant Cty Crim Manuf? Meth Guilty
＃15 10 yrs ago Crim chg – pled out
＃13 Never reached verdict
＃31 Tarrant Cty Civil Case
＃? Civil Traffic Case – Speeding – Susplic NG No mistake on driving record
＃33 Tarrant County Civil Case liable for accident

Q- ICE Stories following political feelings
＃18 Following on S Med & Outside
Strong Feeling – Y For/Against ICE? Can you put feelings aside? No
＃2 Follow closely – family of immigrants any way you will not be fair & impartial, YES can put it aside
＃34 Strong feelings not supporting ICE’s mission – follow stories but feels can be impartial
＃49 Strong feelings cannot put aside
＃54 Aware of immigration – brother is immigration attorney, can put aside but has strong feelings
＃8 Feel very strongly can’t put it aside talked about
＃22 Has been following news feels ICE unprofessional but can put aside
＃38 Strong feelings against ICE, can be impartial, “Does not feel college rivalry equivalent to human rights, sir”
＃53 Disturbed by stories on news, can be impartial
＃11 Strongly against ICE can be impartial
＃10 Cannot be impartial – deported friends & family
＃26 Feelings against ICE, can be impartial
＃27 S Media – feel strongly, can be impartial
＃41 Follow both sides & follow law, not sure what your instructions, Judge: follow as my instructions will be about the law, she cannot follow instructions from him
＃59 Strong feelings about immigration, can be impartial, fear of being exposed against (outed) and reprisal as POC
＃70 Against ICE, can be impartial
＃72 Following news ICE & DHS can be impartial
＃14 Strong feeling about ICE – an immigrant 50 years, FEAR but can be impartial
＃15 Strong feelings – hard time, cannot be impartial

NEXT – Antifa feelings, anyone heard of antifa? Raise hands, strong feelings?
＃2 Heard of it but no context, can be impartial

crickets-
＃54 Not sure what you’re asking, reporting in church – someone came into service armed said they were antifa, says can be impartial
＃41 Strongly disagree with antifa tactics

Affiliations? Anyone? Anything else preventing fairness & impartiality in this case

Lunchtime- Admonishments to jury not to talk with anyone public or press or news reporters
Do not give your names, Many of you will be released
After lunch – 1:30p

There have been odd reports that this hearing not being recorded, court reporter Monica – certified CR
Also hearing criticism that electronic devices not allowed – that’s a US court rule, not the judge’s rule

＃57 There were men who asked how it was going – she said she didn’t know anything
＃19 w (up arrow) didn’t respond
Warned US Atys – not to cover covered ground

Sean Smith
Follow up – ppl w/bias
＃2 – From Mexico (asked if she was 1st gen, 2nd gen, not an immigrant)
＃34 Bias basis – not supportive of tactics of DHS – people being picked up as citizens
?’s – Feelings justify shooting someone
＃49 – X
＃5 Why against ICE – not feeling ICE detention conditions are humane
＃55 ICE is unprofessional (no further questions)
＃59 – Worry anti-ICE target by ICE
＃68 – knows M Rueda in HS N Side High FW

Asked who had negative law enforcement experience
＃5 Sister had experience as assault victim, prosecution unhelpful
＃53 When younger pulled over and did a search without cause and felt profiled based on car, Buick Regal

Asked anyone have family convicted of crime?
＃5 Father? Imprisoned for 10 theft of brother
＃15 Sex assault accused family member

Asked if anyone involved in political or ICE protests? Any other (older) protests?
＃26 Black Lives Matter, yrs, Milwaukee PR gov → protested to have him removed
How were you dressed? Asked if there were any guns
＃? Support Mexico protest
＃38 BLM during pandemic

55 → 50 officers testimony, Anybody will automatically disbelieve cops testimony?
＃53 Would not disbelieve cops – has some cop friends

Anarchy & antifa & communism?
＃34 Studied history major UT

Weapons – TX loves guns, anyone own an AR15? Shooting range?
＃56, 61 and/or 62
＃62 I am ETTS Firearms instructor outdoor private
Binary trigger on AR15 increases firing rate but not a machine gun, how many times have seen it used? 1-2 x/mo
Fireworks, how many have used? Many
Mortar/Bigger
＃34 Bigger ones at event
Good idea to shoot this style
Mortar – explosive under federal statute
Anyone have problem with classification
＃57
＃31 husband deceased

Faraday bag – who is familiar?
＃13 brother knows about it, inhibits tracking – prepping
＃30 Emergency Manager – preparedness
＃31 Heard of it only
Back row? ＃72 Understood, not used

Any strong anti-Trump?
＃8 Deep seated dislike
＃38 Trump using presidency to instill fear & intimidate
＃5 Not a great president
＃53 Not a fan – he abuses power
＃14 Disagree w/ administration
＃26 Agrees with ＃38 Trump dividing country
＃5 Go back
＃59 Strong feelings – can focus on case facts

Mr Cofer Ms Clayton ＃1, Can self-govern to keep to 90 mins
“Talk you walk”
＃41 or 49
Distinguish: Noise demonstrations, riots – using firearms/violence, protests → PC + voice
Mentioned Jesse Jackson Jackson
Can one demonstration become another
Turn from one thing to another ＃51
Crossing boundaries → Enflame, become more volatile 1-5
Don’t see boundaries crossing: 43 44 63 74 75 10 39 56 21
Protest loud but peaceful
Does boundary cross – does apply to everyone there
＃38 Few bad apples can enflame

Why protest?
＃6 Abortion rights or thwart
＃41 – Feel that not heard – not getting whole story
＃11 Mental health needs not met

People should not protest?
＃28 stopped – god will fix

Anyone tired of hearing about it? 5 13 26 10 72
Feel about demonstrators?
＃21 Wouldn’t protest

Cannot bring gun to protest 1,3,5 Agree 13111 Disagree
Most replied 1 or 2, Few 3, Few 5
Ms Clayton’s shirt
Got about 30 in individual responses and judge

Mistrial and start again next Tuesday
Show cause order

Song’s attorneys?
Anti-ICE on shirt of attorney
Demonstrative

Sean Smith
Cody Cofer
Mr McLane → wearing billboard

Back after the mistrial
Has been informed of defense attorney or staff wearing an anti-ICE lapel pin
Attorney Clayton wore shirt with MLK, Shirley Chisolm, protest during civil rights
Judge reviewed standards for declaring mistrial
“Order for conduct – no graphic tees” “Items of clothing should not sway or send message”
“Jurors should decide on facts in evidence not on other ways”
Manifest → Mistrial
No way to remove skunk
Counsel showed demonstrative with no request for permission
Then protest scenes on shirt
Not appropriate for voir dire
22 minutes
Banned from emailing court coordinator → must file a motion voir dire
“I don’t have any other choice”
Jury system believes divided country but still works, we’re divided in factuals
1850s → quoted Lincoln – Jesus – house divided against itself will not stand
You prove its possible – we can get along
Need to turn down anger and hatred
You are released from your orders given earlier today

Note-Taker: JP (File: 20260217JP_EW.pdf)

2/17 pg1
8:52
Judge Pittman – refer to 1948 LBJ case & 1980 Delta Airlines case
Invoke the Rule – exclude witnesses

Law enforcement officers sworn-in en mass

OPENING STATEMENTS

10 minutes for each defendant, 90 minutes total
objects to reference to “close courtroom”
relocates to 2nd floor
open voir dire to 4th floor

RECESS

9:35AM
Jury selection – jury panel in room
Frederick Douglass – 3 boxes to preserve liberty

ballot box, carriage box, jury box
Voir dire – jury selection
swears potential jury pool members

At least 2 ½ weeks for trial maybe up to 3 weeks.
Problem 3 weeks
Juror #1 – bad bulging disc in back
Juror #40 – sole caregiver for daughter. Husband travels for work
Juror #19 – job interview tomorrow
Juror #7 – primary caregiver for 1yo, 3yo
Juror #21 – stay at home – sch? 3-11. Husband works
Juror #17 – scheduled for cruise
Juror #66 – self-employed, wife unemployed. Landscaper

2/17 pg 2
Juror #44 – stepmom
Juror #72 – 2 major surgeries last year. Recovery time to April.
Juror #64 – father in dementia, only source of income – over the road trucker
Juror #26 – speech therapist school district would need to make up time. Salary-based.
Juror # 29 – wedding in Brazil – March 20
Judge: “We’ll be done before then.”

Juror #23 – grandma needs to go to doctor. Needs to drive her to appointment.

Steep stairs to Jury room on 3rd floor? Any problem that would make hard to pay attention to evidence?
Issue with hearing?
#50 – ear disease
#52 – having difficulty. Problem with eyesight?

#28 – can’t see from bar – okay with glasses

More case-specific questions, indictment not evidence. Anyone have trouble following? No hands.
Presumption of innocence – reasonable doubt problem? No hands. Right to remain silent.

#32 unable to follow coast. – changes to yes I could.
——– contact with anyone about case-specific
#5 – saw people with table across the street, did not talk to them about case.
#20 – Mr. Coffrey (Cofer?) lawyer for A. Hill used to live in _?
Names of prosecution witnesses – no hands
witnesses for A. Hill – no hands
Z. Evetts – McClain – no handds
Song – Hayes – no hands
Batten – Topert –
Morris – St John

2/17 pg 3
Defendants visible on video feed – Z Evetts, B Song, Batten, Morris, Rueda
On juror recognizes name of one witness.
Clayton/Rueda –
Soto/Burns –
Soto/Davis –
Juror #68 – know defendant Rueda – know at High School.
Estrada – Public defense attorneys – no hands

Incident at Pairieland Detention Center
Explosed to media coverage, shooting incident at ICE facility Alvarado?
Juror #19 – just media coverage ch 8. Could put out of mind.
#52 – heard on news – could disregard
#24 – heard on social media & friend –
#41 – heard on ch 8. Discussion with mother-in-law more recent incident didn’t involve state of Tx? Don’t remember.
#44 – Fox news, News Max – back in summer, could be fair
#72 read article – newsfeed, signal media around time.
#28 – local news – put aside
*#29? – retired former police officer. Social media for police officers if someone gets shot. Put experience aside * No I can’t. 18 Ft Worth – State Police Patrol.

2/17 pg 4
? – heard ch 11 yesterday, could put aside
#31 – just heard when it happened local news

#? –

discussion about case? No hands.

Anyone current or past law enforcement? No hands.
Close friends or family member law enforcement?

#3 – mother police officer in California, retired
#19 – cousin – Dallas P.D.
#20 – husband Assistant D.A.
#50 – father-in-law, husband, son – Fort Worth P.D.
#51 – Father-in-law, Arlington P.D.; husband corrections officer, Tarrant Co

D.A. officer investigator
#5 – sheriff’s department – Tarrant Co.
#21 good friend Johnson County Sheriff Sgt. Patrol
#27 – Friends in Arlington P.D. – see at gym
#61 – brother is ADA
#74 – Police Officer Mansfield PD – husband
#13 – good friend of husband – sheriff
#9 – step brother current police officer – Cleveland

11AM BREAK
11:25 RESUMES

Served on jury or grand jury?
#52 – Ybarra Co. criminal jury – drunk driving. Reached verdict – guilty.
#40 – Criminal – Guilty – Gu?den Co? – contractor – City – guity
#37 – DWI case – Weiss Co. Decatur – not guilty
#65 – criminal – Tarrant Co., offensive contact, not guilt
#9 – criminal, this building, 25 years ago – lawyer and police officer already convicted, extracting $ out of asra? population, housing traffic court.
#25 – criminal case December 2025 – vehicle lot pedestrians

2/17 pg 5
#16 – Terri Co., around corner – methamphetamine, guilty
#15 – Park Co., criminal drug charge – plea deal after op stunts
#13 – civil jury – around 2000 – settlement, no verdict
#31 –
#46 – municipal ct, Arlington – _ because not quilty #17 – Terri Co – civil – liable dental migraines – car
#40 – city v. Ft Worth

Following ICE stories in media
#18 – social media, in general MN strongly against what ICE doing Can’t put aside. I can honestly try. No.
#2 – follow closely, family of immigrants. Strong feeling – injustices happening. Think I could be good juror. Yes put aside.
#34 – strong feelings. Not in support. Yes put aside. Follow social media.
#49 – strong feeling, effect; . Can’t put aside.
#54 – very aware. Brother inner city. Coverage – strong feelings. Pretty sure –
#8 – very strong feelings. Do watch media, _, don’t feel could put aside
#5 – unaware anything this close to home. Feel strong – put aside.
#22 – ICE unprofessional. Can put aside.

2/17 pg 6
#24 – ICE unprofessional
#38 – strong feelings against ICE. Just put aside.

College rivalry not same as human beings. Can’t put aside.
#53 – upsetting on TV –
follow social media. Feel strongly against ICE. No.
#10 – Don’t think could put aside – 2 family members d. ed
include for law enforcement?
ICE methods, put aside
#27 – follow on social media – trying they best
#41 – follow both sides, not sure. Rule-of-law. Not able to follow law as instructed.
# _ – strong feelings against power. Could put aside – fear going on recent exposure – people of color.
#70 – against ICE. Feel I can be impartial.
#72 – closely follow, slanted & inaccurate. Can put aside.
#14 – very strong feeling – imigrant myself. Fear ever since started. Always intend, not sure could put aside.
#13 – strong feelings, don’t know. Can’t be fair & impartial.

2/17 p7
“Antifa” news coverage
Despite what you’ve _, defendants right to fair trial
Left – #2 – heard, no strong feelings
#54 – not sure what asking. Familiar “Antifa” – very familiar situation in church very scarry – in Texas, alarming in House of worship someone comes in armed in service disrupting, affiliated with Antifa in far or impartial far person.

#41 – struggle. Disagree with traitors

Anyone member of or affiliated with “Antifa”

Anything else?
Moral allegiance, philosophical reason not to serve on jury?
Any other reason?
12:15 LUNCH
54, 61 41 1 hour break

Note-Taker: AR — Afternoon (File: 20260217AR_F.pdf)

2/17/26
‘United States vs Arnold et al”

Court was to resume after lunch (12:15 – 1:15) but judge was late to return (1:25)

Juror 57: pez? Someone asked her “how things were going?” she told them “I don’t know anything”
then ‘people with masks on tried to enter: through the courthouse

Attorney for the U.S.: “John Smith, one of the prosecutors on the case” wants to know what her (a juror) issue was, why she said she can’t be impartial”
#34: same questions: why a bias against ICE?
“<M+ tactics + conditions in detention facilities… they’re horrific”

Prodecuter: “is you feeling against ICE justified when there is a shooting?”
“would these conditions justify and attack on the facility?”

“Juror 59 you also indicated (strong disapproval) against ICE”

“How many of you (juror) have had a negative experience with law enforcement?”
Sister was assaulted and not taken seriously by police.
#53: got stereotyped by cops who stopped his car and pulled the backside out of his car”

Know anyone whose been convicted?”
2 people have relatives in prison

“Anyone been a witness or a victim? Anyone been in a protest against ICE? Or other protests? BLM, Occupy.
#38 BLM + similar things.

“would you automatically believe a police officer? Or automatically disbelieve?”
Juror “no”.

About antifa, socialism, anarchy, communism. What does anyone know anything or have impression about any of these?
A: Studied in college x2.

Q: Do any of you own an AR-15?
Have you ever used it?
A: at a ranged.
ID’d #61 and #62. Gun range Waxahachie.
Ever seen a binary trigger on an AR-15? Yes.

Fireworks: Q: How many have shot off fireworks. A: Everybody.
Q: Did any have a morton tube?
Would you call a firework an “explosive?”
Does anyone have a problem with that designation?
#57: “Someone” shot a firework into a garage and it caught fire.
Q: so they’re dangerous? A: yes they can be.
Anyone have a question re: Fireworks? No one.

“ever hear of a Faraday bag?”
A: yes
Q: how do you know about that?
A: my daughter
#30: “I’m an emergency mgr and am familiar with them.”

W: Does anyone have any idea and feel strong anti-trump feelings?
#8 “Yes”
#38 “yes: trump is using fear as a tactic and is using ICE to do so.
2 more against trump/ #9 “really unhappy with him”
#11 and #14 both against trump.
#14: illegal tx of immigrants is inhumane. But, but…. Can you set that aside?
Judge: even if I told you to A: No.
#59: disapprove of T “but will try very hard to just look at evidence”
No one said they approved of Trump or Ice.

Now for the Defense attorneys (90 min for all of them) so about 10 min each.

Noise demo vs Protests vs Riot

#41 peaceful protest is voices, no weapons nor noise, being silent.

Lawyer showed a poster of the 3 to distinguish them; Judge forbade her to use it as he hadn’t approved it. So it was taken away.

What words come to mind with each word?

Can these lines be crossed? Juror #9 tried

#51 crossing boundaries (unclear as when opponents get aggressive/push back) if you agree with #51 raise you number

can a protest be loud and still be peaceful? #10 Yes

Why are some folk drawn to a protest?
#41 when someone feels majority is not hearing the whole story.
#11 mental health issues.

Does anyone believe people should not be allowed to protest?
Someone sad God makes (that they shouldn’t be allowed) (Agreed with no protests)
#21 protests draw people are more aggressive. Some are ok (she said she doesn’t dollow nes and relies on her Husband) agree or now

Judge stopped question, said it was a waste of time. 5 min responses for attorneys to opine on whether question is useful.

Then jury had to leave too.
Prosecutor: We’re still toward the end of Voir Dire.
Justice Questions: Can trial be fair? Judge, “I’m not going to declare a mistrial but I’m not sure we can have a fair trial”
“Defense lawyers scrambling and opinions calling for a mistrial.
Judge says if he did that, he’d be reversed.
Another defense attorney agrees with judge about a mistrial.
Mr.Davis: can’t say what decorum was breached but 5 against mistrial.
Then the judge walked out (to think about it)

Ok. Issue is that Mari’s lawyer is wearing a political t-shirt under her jacker.
That riggers a call for mistrial.
Judge out appox 3-330. Maris lawyer is running for state office. Pitt is all about decorum. Issue is whether or not tshirt will influence the 75 person jury pool.

Judge: Lawyer tried (tshit was of MLK + Shirley Chisolm about Civil Rights protests. Ms Clayton has cost taxpayers thousands of taxpayers dollars to Tarrant County.

Judge Pittman declared a mistrial and accused a lawyer of saying something about the judge. Judge wants to empanel another jury ASAP. He’s been too lenient and will be firmer next time. He ‘has no choice’ but to declare.” It won’t happen again”

Jury brought back into courtroom. (Judge is pissed, said he’s never had to call mistrial before in all his career.)

Pitt: We do live in a divided country. Nevertheless, it’s a system that works. I am absolutely disgusted at the state of America.”

Juror have shown him that we really are divided “I’m declaring a mistrial” Pittman

He’s frustrated and “disgusted”.

“If you’re a praying person you can say a little prayer on your way home.”

Note-Taker: HR — Morning (File: Day 1 Morning (HR).pdf)

Day 1 Morning (H) – 2/17/26

Police witnesses called forth (6) requested not communicate with other witnesses, barred from hearing other witnesses

Gross, Whiethorn, Zapata, Agent Doctor, Agent Chin, Agenct Curry, Agent Ford, Officer Sheider, FBI Tech Lang, Agent Killian Boetner, Provo Prayan Paye, Banneson, Bennet, Alose, Gilpenn
Excluded: Expert Witnesses

Are they responsible for policing the courtroom?

“Grandstanding” will not be tolerated

No asking a witness multiple questions on the same subject
No 4 hour closing
Defendants – 10 minutes a piece for opening statements
“busy docket” excuse
Seats 95 people in courtroom
Disruptions return after break
Moved to larger courtroom
Right to public trial
Expert witnesses not barred from hearing

LBJ trial 1948 Frederick Douglas trial by jury over right to vote – not a totalitarian government according to Pittman
Trying to predispose the jury to both “their duty” but also a bunch of patriotic ?

Jury sworn in 2.5-3 weeks

Questions
Criminal case – indictment
Not guilty
Must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt
The defendant is not required to prove themselves
Right to remain silent
One juror “if they have nothing to hide, why remain silent?” (Juror 32)
Do not overvalue police testimony

Reserve judgement credibility regarding testimony

Pittman uses Autumn’s name

Sean Smith – Prosecutor
Witnesses

Agent Wiethorn, Mellow, Marshall, Yates, Cindy Harpy-Reedy, Sgt. J. Smith, Sveda, Riley, Buress, Carson, Jackson, Solis, Spurlock, Williamson, Hilton, Hill, Macdonald, Woodrow, Eldridge, Sarone, Brant, Daros, Van Horne, Inning, Terma, Doctor Rally Chin, Curry, Ford, Snyder, Boether, Coffin, Lang, Killian, Maguire, Postan, Rishir

Seth Sykes, Nathan Bauman, Lynette, Susan Kent, J Thomas

DPS
Edwards, Bernement, Snyder
ATF
Coffer & Luster
Arteaga, Professor Jonathan Pinkney, Mcvessel, Steven Gardner

Burkhart – Evett’s Lawyer
Ann Speckard, Brooke Evetts, Matt, Sola Akinowa, Randy Red

Hayes

Tolbert
Danielle Kai
Max Rothwell
Cheryl Ananda
Amber Lowry
Cynthia Logan

Warren St. John
Pittman uses Megan’s name

Marquetta
Alex Hinton, Edie Lamora, Christoper Cox

Lee Davis – Ines
Bryce, Estaban, Ines Soto

Harmony
Liz

One juror – knows Mari from high school

Des’ Lawyer
Anna Jessica Bell

Judge
Has anyone seen news coverage regarding the Prairieland incident?

Juror – Channel 8
52 – hear about it on the news
*24 – social media, from a friend
*41 – channel 8, serious discussion with parent
(Judge brings up Minneapolis)
44 – heard about it on Fox News
72 – Newsfeed on social media around the time it happen – does not remember details
28 – local news when it happened
29 – retired Fort Worth PD, social media for police officer – “we talk when one of us gets shot”

No – cannot put police experience aside – 18 years
13 – heard about it yesterday on Channel 11
31 – heard in news when it happened

Judge: Is there anyone who past present law enforcement? (No one sans 29)
Any close friends/family?
3- Mother was a police officer
19 – cousin speak with regularly, DPD

ADA district attorney
50 – father in law, husband, son FWPD
51 – Cousin, sheriff, Tarrant County, patrols
21 – a really good friend, JOCO, sheriff, sergeant, patrol
27 – several friends @ APD – everyday
61 – my brother ADA for Tarrant County

After 1st break – Evett’s tie is gone

74 – husband, Mansfield. Sheriff in multiple counties
9 – step brother, PD in Cleburne, patrol
No hands raise for family members/friends to establish prejudice

Has anyone Served in a jury?

Navarro County, criminal, drunk driver, guilty
Criminal
37 – Jury duty, hearing, DWI, wise county. Criminal Tarrant, offensive, provocative contact, not guilty
9 – criminal, 25 years ago, Halton City, lawyers police extorting money out of the local aging pop
25 – Civil case, last December pedestrian struck
16 – Tarrant County, manufacturing meth, guilty
15 – Parker County, criminal drug opening – plea deal
14 – Civil, Tarrant, 2000s, settlement
31 – Tarrant, settled Civil
46 – municipal court, Arlington DL dispute
Tarrant, civil, liable, car accident
40 – Tarrant County, Denton County

ICE political views

18 – follow social media, in general, Minnesota

Strong feelings – strongly against, cannot put feelings aside
2 – follow is closely, family of immigrants, injustices happening – can be unbiased, b able to put this aside “we all have biases”
34 – strong feelings in support of the mission – can put feelings aside
49 – strong feelings – effect judgement
54 – aware of immigration, brother immigration attorney – yes strong feelings, everyone has strong feelings. I can put feelings aside
8 – very strong feelings – cannot put it aside
5 – aware of what’s happening in Minneapolis, can put strong feelings aside
22 – following news – against, set aside feelings
24 – ICE – unprofessional, set aside
38 – local news, strong feelings against ICE “a college rivalry is not equivalent to human rights”
53 – I can be fair – very upsetting, disturbing
11 – Strongly against ICE – cannot put feelings aside
10 – I don’t think I can be on this jury.
Put aside, too many family members who have died from being deported
Put feelings aside, against ICE
27 – Strongly, can put it aside
41 – follow instructions, cannot accept the law as given by judge
59 – very strongly against Ice, put aside feelings and trust the system, fear as a POC
70 – against ICE – can be impartial juror

1:15pm Zach is crying

72 – follows DHS – centrist, only consider was is
14 – very strong feelings, immigrant, 50 years, very strong fear

Could put feelings aside
13 – Strong feelings, follow it regularly could not be fair and impartial

How do you feel about Antifa?
2 – heard of it, no context, could put it aside
54 – very familiar situation involving this at a church – very scary in Texas, armed to disrupt the service
41 – Strongly disagree with their tactics – did not ask if it would effect judgement

Note-Taker: CA — Afternoon (File: 20230217CA_PM_F.pdf)

[Note: This file contains content substantially identical to Note-Taker AR’s afternoon notes above. Preserved here for completeness.]