Homeland Security Secretary threatens prosecution of court staff who aid immigration arrests evasion

Two former Utah court clerks were federally indicted Wednesday on charges of conspiracy to transport and harbor individuals, harboring individuals, and obstruction of proceedings. The charges stem from an alleged attempt to move several people out of a courthouse before immigration officers could make arrests outside the building.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said Thursday that anyone caught helping individuals evade immigration officers at courthouses will face arrest and prosecution. He stated the administration maintains zero tolerance for such actions and will enforce laws without selective application.

Prior incidents The Utah case marks the third time during the current presidential term that a court employee has been accused of assisting individuals in avoiding immigration enforcement at a courthouse. In December, a Wisconsin judge was convicted of obstruction of justice in a similar case.

Earlier incidents during the previous presidential term involved a Massachusetts state judge and a court officer who faced charges that were later dropped. Court cameras recorded the most recent alleged actions in Utah.