Judge Holds ICE Agent In Contempt For Detaining Illegal Migrant During Trial

A judge in Boston has determined that a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent is in contempt after detaining a suspect during his trial.

ICE agent Brian Sullivan arrested Wilson Martell-Lebron last week as he exited the courthouse. However, a Boston Municipal Court judge ruled on Monday that Sullivan infringed upon Martell-Lebron’s rights to due process and a fair trial by taking him into custody amidst the proceedings, as reported by the Associated Press.

“This is a case of violating a defendant’s right to be present at trial and to confront witnesses against him,” Judge Mark Summerville stated from the bench. “The seriousness of this matter cannot be overstated.”

Summerville dismissed the charge against Martell-Lebron for allegedly making false statements on his driver’s license application—specifically, asserting that he was not Martell-Lebron, according to the report. Following this decision, the judge initiated the contempt charge against Sullivan, which may lead Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden to reassess the case and determine if any charges should be filed.

“It’s reprehensible,” remarked Ryan Sullivan, one of Martell-Lebron’s attorneys. “Law enforcement officials have a duty to ensure justice is served. Prosecutors are tasked with the same responsibility. In my view, there is no greater injustice than the government arresting an individual without proper identification and obstructing their right to a jury trial as guaranteed by the Constitution.”