Judge Shelley M. Richmond Joseph of Boston is facing a civil misconduct hearing for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant, Jose Medina-Perez, avoid being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 2018.
Medina-Perez, a Dominican national previously deported twice and barred from re-entering the U.S. until 2027, was appearing in Newton District Court on drug and fugitive charges.
According to federal prosecutors, Judge Joseph instructed a court clerk to mislead an ICE agent waiting in the courthouse lobby by suggesting the defendant would exit through the courtroom. However, Joseph allegedly allowed Medina-Perez to be taken downstairs, where he was released through a rear courthouse door, evading ICE custody.
During the incident, courtroom audio was mysteriously turned off for 52 seconds, which prosecutors say occurred after Joseph told the clerk to go off the record. Joseph allegedly said, “I’m not gonna allow them to come in here,” when reminded an ICE officer was waiting. Her clerk reportedly used his access card to open a secure exit, allowing Medina-Perez to flee undetected.
Joseph’s attorney emphasized during Monday’s hearing that she has not been convicted of any crime, but public opinion is sharply divided. Her lawyer noted the widespread belief in Boston that she released the immigrant and argued media coverage has blurred the line between allegations and proven actions.
Medina-Perez’s lawyer, who received immunity from prosecution in exchange for testimony, has also taken the stand. The case, now under review by Suffolk Superior Court Judge Denis McInerney, could result in formal disciplinary action.
The Massachusetts Commission on Judicial Conduct charged Joseph with “willful judicial misconduct” and “prejudicial” behavior. Her case follows others under scrutiny by the Trump administration, including judges in Wisconsin and New Mexico accused of helping undocumented immigrants evade arrest by federal agents.
