Former Court Clerks Arrested for Helping Undocumented Immigrants Evade ICE
Two former clerks from the Logan City Justice Courthouse in Utah have been arrested for allegedly facilitating the escape of undocumented immigrants to avoid arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Identified as Jennifer Joma and Lauren Morrow, both now face serious charges in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah.
Charges Filed Against the Clerks
Joma and Morrow have been charged with three felonies: conspiracy to transport and conceal illegal aliens, concealment of illegal aliens, and obstruction of a departmental process. Additionally, Joma faces extra charges related to transporting illegal aliens.
Details of the Alleged Conspiracy
Federal prosecutors claim that upon learning of an impending ICE operation, the clerks unlawfully accessed the court’s database to identify individuals without U.S. citizenship. They allegedly facilitated the exit of these individuals through a back door, evading the agents who were positioned in the parking lot awaiting their targets.
Transporting Undocumented Immigrants
According to the charges, Joma admitted to transporting three immigrants in his vehicle after their court appearances. Both clerks have pleaded not guilty to all charges and have been released pending further proceedings. Their legal representatives have chosen not to provide comments regarding the case.
Federal Prosecutors’ Allegations
The court filing describes the former clerks as self-proclaimed anti-ICE vigilantes who actively obstructed lawful enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. Prosecutors stated that on April 9, ICE agents entered the courthouse to arrest an individual scheduled for a court appearance. After being prompted by a judge to refrain from making arrests in the courtroom, agents waited outside for their targets to emerge.
Coordinated Actions Inside the Courthouse
During the operation, prosecutors allege that the clerks proactively searched the court’s database to find individuals of interest while another clerk provided updates on ongoing court proceedings. They identified four people who were foreign-born and approached them after their court appearances.
Defiance in the Face of Surveillance
Following the successful escape of the first individual, the clerks noticed surveillance cameras in the courthouse. Despite this, documents indicate that their actions continued unabated, with Joma reportedly smiling and waving at the cameras while Morrow gestured dismissively. Joma went on to drive three additional individuals, aware of ICE’s presence, out of sight.
