Wisconsin judge indicted for allegedly helping man evade immigration agents

 Wisconsin — A state judge in Wisconsin has been formally indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly aiding an undocumented immigrant in evading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, marking a rare and controversial case involving alleged judicial misconduct.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the judge, whose name has not yet been officially released pending court procedures, is accused of tipping off or providing means for a man facing immigration-related charges to escape federal custody. The indictment includes charges of obstruction of justice and conspiracy to harbor an undocumented immigrant.

The incident reportedly took place earlier this year during a court proceeding in which ICE agents were expected to detain the individual following a separate criminal hearing. Prosecutors allege the judge deliberately facilitated the man’s departure through an alternative courthouse exit, allowing him to avoid the federal agents waiting at the primary entrance.

The case has sparked heated debate within legal and political circles in Wisconsin, with some defending the judge’s alleged actions as a humanitarian effort, while others view it as a blatant violation of federal law and judicial neutrality.

“This is a serious breach of public trust if the allegations are true,” said Thomas Greer, a former federal prosecutor. “Judges are expected to uphold the law—not circumvent it.”

The Wisconsin Judicial Commission has confirmed it is launching its own investigation parallel to the federal indictment. If convicted, the judge could face years in prison, disbarment, and removal from the bench.

ICE officials also released a statement condemning any efforts to hinder immigration enforcement, stating, “Actions that obstruct our agents put the integrity of the legal system at risk and could endanger public safety.”

Civil liberties groups, however, are calling for a closer examination of how immigration enforcement intersects with judicial discretion and due process rights.

The case is expected to go to trial later this year, with pre-trial motions scheduled in the coming weeks.

This indictment comes at a time when tensions between local jurisdictions and federal immigration authorities remain high, particularly in states with sanctuary policies or more progressive immigration stances.