Judge Rules ICE Agent In Contempt For Courtroom Arrest

A Boston judge found ICE agent Brian Sullivan in contempt of court for arresting a defendant during his trial, sparking a clash between federal immigration enforcement and state judicial authority.

Quick Takes

Boston Municipal Court Judge Mark Summerville held ICE agent Brian Sullivan in contempt for arresting defendant Wilson Martell-Lebron during his trial
Martell-Lebron was on trial for charges related to filing a false application for a driver’s license when plainclothes ICE agents detained him
The judge dismissed Martell-Lebron’s case with prejudice, calling the ICE agent’s actions “intentional and egregious violations” of the defendant’s rights
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between Boston’s policies limiting cooperation with immigration enforcement and the Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement

Court Proceedings Derailed by Immigration Enforcement

Boston Municipal Court Judge Mark Summerville issued a contempt charge against ICE agent Brian Sullivan after Sullivan arrested defendant Wilson Martell-Lebron during his ongoing trial. Martell-Lebron was facing charges related to filing a false application for a driver’s license when plainclothes ICE agents took him into custody after he left court. The agents detained him without identifying themselves, according to court records, and transported him to an immigration detention facility, effectively preventing him from participating in his own trial.

The judge found Sullivan’s actions constituted a direct violation of Martell-Lebron’s constitutional right to due process and a fair trial. Two Massachusetts State Police troopers who were aware of ICE’s plan to arrest Martell-Lebron were not held in contempt by the judge. The Suffolk District Attorney’s Office stated they had no prior knowledge of the planned arrest and criticized ICE for interfering with their prosecution of the case during active court proceedings.

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

Judge Cites “Egregious” Violations

Judge Summerville dismissed Martell-Lebron’s case with prejudice, preventing prosecutors from refiling charges. The decision came after a heated hearing where the judge strongly condemned the actions of federal immigration authorities for interfering with state court proceedings. The contempt finding has now been referred to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office for further investigation, which could potentially lead to additional charges against Agent Sullivan.

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

Martell-Lebron’s defense attorney, Ryan Sullivan, expressed that while the case dismissal might appear favorable, it was not the outcome his client wanted. According to Sullivan, Martell-Lebron had been seeking acquittal by a jury rather than having the case dismissed. Despite the dismissal, Martell-Lebron remains in ICE custody, accused of living in the United States without proper authorization.

Tensions Between Local and Federal Authorities

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between Boston’s local government and federal immigration enforcement. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu supports policies that limit cooperation with immigration enforcement, aiming to make the city more welcoming for immigrants. Under President Trump’s administration, immigration officers have maintained an increased presence at courthouses across the country, including in Massachusetts.

“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.

Current federal policy allows ICE arrests near courthouses if credible information supports such action. This incident occurred during the trial’s opening statements and first witness testimonies. The Suffolk District Attorney’s office has expressed its displeasure with the situation, with spokesperson James Borghesani stating they were “dismayed and surprised” when their prosecution was interrupted by ICE’s actions. ICE officials have not commented on the contempt finding or the circumstances surrounding Martell-Lebron’s arrest.