Boston Judge Shelley Joseph Faces Hearing Over Alleged ICE Evasion Aid

Boston Municipal Court Judge Shelley Joseph is set to face a public hearing on June 9 regarding allegations that she allowed a twice-deported illegal immigrant to exit her courtroom through a back door in 2018 to avoid arrest by ICE agents. The hearing, which will be conducted by the Massachusetts Commission on Judicial Conduct, follows a previous federal indictment for obstruction of justice that was dropped after Joseph agreed to refer herself to the commission. The commission has since accused her of willful judicial misconduct, including failing to comply with the law and not cooperating fully with investigators. This development comes amid the recent suspension and arrest of Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan, who was also accused of helping an illegal immigrant evade ICE, highlighting a broader scrutiny of judges allegedly aiding migrants to avoid federal authorities. The upcoming hearing could result in Joseph's removal from the bench if the allegations are substantiated.