Judge Finds ICE Agent In Contempt Over Courtroom Arrest

A Boston judge has found an ICE agent in contempt of court after the officer arrested an illegal immigrant during an ongoing trial, raising questions about the boundaries between immigration enforcement and judicial authority.

Key Takeaways

ICE agent Brian Sullivan was held in contempt for arresting defendant Wilson Martell-Lebron mid-trial in Boston Municipal Court
Judge Mark Summerville dismissed the case against Martell-Lebron with prejudice, calling the ICE agent’s actions “intentional and egregious violations” of the defendant’s rights
The defendant was on trial for filing a false application for a driver’s license when plainclothes ICE agents detained him
Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office claims they were unaware of ICE’s plans and expressed dismay at the interruption of their prosecution
The case highlights ongoing tensions between local Boston authorities and federal immigration enforcement under President Trump’s administration

ICE Agent’s Courthouse Arrest Leads to Contempt Charge

Boston Municipal Court Judge Mark Summerville has held Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Brian Sullivan in contempt after Sullivan arrested defendant Wilson Martell-Lebron during his trial for charges related to filing a false application for a driver’s license. The arrest occurred during opening statements and first witness testimony, with plainclothes ICE agents detaining Martell-Lebron after he left the courtroom. According to court documents, the agents took him to a detention facility without properly identifying themselves.

Judge Summerville found Sullivan in contempt for violating Martell-Lebron’s constitutional right to due process and a fair trial. Two Massachusetts State Police troopers who were aware of ICE’s plans were not held in contempt. The judge subsequently dismissed Martell-Lebron’s case with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled, though the defendant reportedly remains in ICE detention facing immigration proceedings.

Local Authorities Caught Off Guard by Federal Action

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office expressed surprise at the ICE intervention, stating they had no prior knowledge of the arrest plans. “We were dismayed and surprised when our prosecution of Wilson Martell-Lebron was interrupted by ICE apprehending him in the middle of our case,” said James Borghesani, a spokesperson for the District Attorney’s Office. The incident has created friction between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials in a city where cooperation has already been limited.

“The finding of contempt is a consequence of Agent Sullivan’s intentional and egregious violations of the defendant’s rights,” Judge Mark Summerville said.

The contempt case has been referred to the Suffolk district attorney’s office for potential further investigation and charges. ICE has not commented publicly on the incident or Sullivan’s contempt finding. This comes as immigration officers have increased their presence at courthouses nationwide during President Trump’s administration, a policy that has faced previous legal challenges in Massachusetts.

Judge holds ICE agent in contempt after he detained suspect during a trial https://t.co/41WruscJk8 #WhittierDailyNews

— Whittier Daily News (@WhittierNews) April 1, 2025

Defense Attorney Condemns Arrest as Constitutional Violation

Ryan Sullivan, Martell-Lebron’s defense attorney, strongly criticized the ICE arrest, arguing it denied his client the opportunity to be acquitted by a jury. “The result he wanted was to be acquitted by a jury of his peers,” Sullivan stated. The attorney further characterized the government’s actions as “reprehensible” and a severe violation of constitutional rights, particularly the right to confront witnesses and receive a fair trial.

“It’s reprehensible. Law enforcement agents have a job to see justice is done. Prosecutors have a job to see justice is done. There is no greater injustice in my mind than the government arresting someone, without identifying themselves, and preventing them from exercising their constitutionally guaranteed right to a jury trial,” said Ryan Sullivan.

The incident underscores ongoing tensions between Boston and federal immigration authorities. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu supports policies that limit cooperation with immigration enforcement to make the city more welcoming for immigrants. Current ICE policy allows arrests near courthouses when agents have credible information about a suspect, though this case raises questions about the timing of such enforcement actions and their impact on due process.