A federal chief judge has issued a scathing rebuke of the Trump administration after ICE falsely accused a colleague of knowingly releasing a murder suspect, putting the judge in personal danger and undermining public trust in the federal courts.
Justice Department Attorney Found in Ethical Violation
Chief Judge John McConnell of Rhode Island announced Tuesday that a special counsel investigation concluded that Kevin Bolan, a top attorney in the Rhode Island U.S. Attorney’s office, committed a serious ethical violation by deliberately withholding critical information from the court. Bolan failed to disclose a years-old homicide arrest warrant for migrant Bryan Rafael Gomez during proceedings before District Judge Melissa DuBose, who then ordered the man released from ICE custody based on incomplete information.
The special counsel found sufficient evidence that Bolan violated his obligation to be honest and transparent in court. However, McConnell determined that Bolan should not face formal disciplinary proceedings, noting that the attorney apologized and has otherwise handled cases responsibly. McConnell warned that any future misconduct will be severely sanctioned.
ICE’s False Public Statement Creates Danger
Following the release, ICE issued a press release describing DuBose as an activist Biden judge who knowingly freed a violent criminal illegal alien wanted for murder in the Dominican Republic. McConnell forcefully rejected this characterization, stating that ICE falsely suggested DuBose knew about the homicide connection when she made her ruling. The chief judge emphasized that without information about the warrant, DuBose’s decision to release Gomez on bond was appropriate and legally sound.
The ICE press release remains on the agency’s website despite DuBose’s request for its removal. McConnell stated that the false public statement put DuBose in personal danger and damaged public confidence in the federal judiciary. Gomez has not been located by authorities for re-detention, highlighting the serious consequences of the ethical failure.
Pattern of Justice Department Problems
The Rhode Island case represents one of several professional mishaps by Justice Department lawyers over the past sixteen months that have frustrated federal judges handling thousands of cases stemming from President Trump’s aggressive deportation policies. Earlier in June, another Rhode Island judge referred multiple government attorneys for disciplinary proceedings after their conduct in a case involving gender-affirming care for minors raised questions about improper courtroom behavior.
Bolan has said his decision to withhold the warrant information followed guidance from ICE, which told him a legitimate law enforcement reason prevented disclosure. He claimed he was unaware the information had already been publicly released by the agency. The Justice Department has not commented on the special counsel’s findings.