During the hearing, federal prosecutors detailed how Joseph allegedly instructed a court clerk to prevent an ICE agent from approaching Medina-Perez. She reportedly told the clerk to “go off the record for a moment,” temporarily halting courtroom audio for 52 seconds, before announcing the defendant would be released. Court documents indicate she told the clerk that she would not allow ICE officers to enter, and the defendant was subsequently led out through a back door using a security access card, avoiding detection.
Medina-Perez’s attorney, David Jellinek, testified under an immunity agreement with federal officials. Prosecutors argued that Joseph’s actions amounted to “willful judicial misconduct” and were “prejudicial to the administration of justice.”
The Massachusetts Commission on Judicial Conduct (CJC) formally accused Joseph, citing her role in enabling the defendant’s escape. Although the Trump Justice Department dropped criminal charges in September 2022 after Joseph self-reported key facts to the CJC, the misconduct allegations remain under review.
This case follows similar federal prosecutions against judges accused of aiding unauthorized immigrants. In May, Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested for attempting to shield a fugitive from ICE, and former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his wife were charged with harboring a suspected gang-affiliated illegal immigrant.
The outcome of Joseph’s hearing could have lasting implications for judicial accountability and the enforcement of immigration laws within U.S. courts.
