ICE Agent’s Contempt Finding Overturned in Boston Arrest Controversy

BOSTON — A federal judge has dismissed a criminal contempt ruling against an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent who arrested a defendant during his trial in a Boston courtroom. The ruling ends a high-profile dispute involving state and federal authorities.

U.S. District Judge William G. Young issued the order on Monday. He concluded that the matter no longer involved a legal conflict after the Massachusetts Trial Court, represented by the Attorney General’s Office, did not oppose dismissal.

“In light of the response of the Trial Court of Massachusetts, there no longer exists a case or controversy between those parties and this case is dismissed without prejudice as moot,” Young wrote.

Arrest Sparked Courtroom Clash

The contempt finding was originally issued by Boston Municipal Court Judge Mark Summerville on March 31. Summerville said ICE agent Brian Sullivan violated the rights of Wilson Martell-Lebron when Sullivan arrested him on March 27—the first day of Martell-Lebron’s trial on charges of using false information at the state Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Summerville described the arrest as an “intentional and egregious” interference with the legal process.

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, led by Kevin Hayden, expressed serious concern following the arrest. Hayden publicly criticized ICE for what he called a threat to public safety and to the criminal justice system.

ICE and Public Safety

Hayden, speaking at a press conference, accused ICE of harming efforts to prosecute crimes in Boston.

“ICE routinely claims that their actions are improving public safety in Boston, and I’m here today to tell you and to say that they are doing the exact opposite,” Hayden said.

He noted that fear of ICE agents has had a chilling effect on community cooperation with local authorities.

“We’re now finding witnesses reluctant to cooperate with investigators, due to fear of ICE,” Hayden said. “We are seeing victims refuse to provide information about crimes against them, due to fear of ICE.”

Hayden said his office values cooperation with federal partners but would not remain silent in the face of such disruptions.

U.S. Attorney Responds

Federal officials quickly pushed back. The U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts, Leah Foley, whose office sought to dismiss the contempt case, criticized both the contempt ruling and the district attorney’s remarks.

“While you may disagree with the enforcement of our federal immigration laws, there is simply no legal basis for you to hold federal officers in criminal contempt for carrying out their sworn duties,” Foley wrote in a letter to Judge Summerville.

Foley also addressed Hayden directly, urging him to stop “entertaining or pursuing” charges against federal officials.

“The fact that you disfavor ICE officers doing their jobs is not a basis for criminal charges,” she wrote.

Defense Calls Arrest Improper

Wilson Martell-Lebron’s attorney, Murat Erkan, strongly opposed the timing and nature of the arrest.

“There was nothing necessary or proper about abducting somebody in the middle of their jury trial in a criminal case where they’ve pleaded not guilty,” Erkan said.

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office declined to say whether its investigation into the ICE agent remains open. A spokesperson said only, “Our primary concern, as voiced by DA Hayden, is that ICE’s recent actions are making it more difficult for us to prosecute offenders and secure justice for victims.”