Judge Faces Scrutiny Over Controversial Immigration Case Handling

A Massachusetts judge is on the brink of potentially losing her career over shocking allegations that challenge the line between judicial discretion and federal immigration laws.

Key Insights

Judge Shelley Joseph faces charges of judicial misconduct for helping an illegal immigrant escape ICE detention.
The escape took place at Newton District Courthouse, where the immigrant exited through a side door.
A public hearing is scheduled for June 9, where evidence will determine if Joseph retains her position.
Concerns arise over Joseph conducting part of the hearing off the record by shutting down the courtroom recording system.
This case highlights tensions between state courts and federal immigration authorities.

Judicial Misconduct Allegations

Judge Shelley Joseph is set to face a public hearing on June 9 concerning serious allegations of judicial misconduct. The accusations stem from a 2018 incident involving Jose Medina-Perez, an illegal immigrant who allegedly escaped ICE detention due to Joseph allowing him to exit through a side door of the Newton District Courthouse while ICE agents awaited his custody.

Joseph has been accused of obstructing federal immigration agents and not being candid with judicial authorities. The Massachusetts Commission on Judicial Conduct claims her actions constituted “willful judicial misconduct” and a violation of the “code of judicial conduct.”

Controversial Courtroom Maneuvers

The April 2018 incident involved Joseph allegedly ordering the courtroom recording system to be shut down to conduct an off-the-record conversation. This maneuver raises questions about her intentions and integrity during the proceedings. Additionally, Joseph’s actions were heavily critiqued in a 112-page report for not being fully candid in the ongoing investigation.

Joseph’s hearing comes at a time when judicial involvement in immigration cases is under scrutiny, particularly following similar allegations against Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan. Joseph was initially charged with conspiracy to obstruct and obstruction of justice by former US Attorney Andrew Lelling, but the charges were dropped when she referred herself to the Commission on Judicial Conduct.

A Massachusetts judge is facing a public hearing for helping a twice-deported illegal alien run from ICE by letting him out the back door in 2018.

Judge Shelley Joseph was charged with obstruction but charges were dropped, and her case moved to the Commission on Judicial Conduct pic.twitter.com/Wakx2q9YLd

— Mike Hawkins (@theHawk1947) May 1, 2025

The Upcoming Hearing and Potential Consequences

As the June 9 public hearing approaches, the legal community and the public await the outcome that will determine whether Joseph can continue her judicial practice. Her attorney did not respond to inquiries about their strategy for the hearing amidst potential negotiations with the state.

This high-profile case underscores the complex and often contentious relationship between state courts and federal immigration enforcement, particularly in states like Massachusetts, where local and federal policies can clash. Judge Joseph’s future on the bench is on the line, and her case serves as a pivotal example in the ongoing dialogue about the role judges play in immigration enforcement.