Judge Melissa DuBose referred Kevin M. Bolan, a Trump appointee, for potential misconduct after he withheld details about a migrant’s Dominican Republic arrest warrant. During a hearing, Bolan admitted failing to disclose the warrant but claimed his hands were tied by Department of Homeland Security (D.H.S.) directives. Judge DuBose called the omission “a lack of candor” and vowed to investigate, citing risks of recurrence.

The case centers on Bryan Rafael Gomez, a migrant released by DuBose despite allegations of a murder charge in the Dominican Republic. Bolan argued D.H.S. blocked disclosure of the warrant, which referenced a manslaughter statute, not murder. D.H.S. officials later confirmed Bolan was instructed to avoid confirming or denying the charge, citing ICE policy requiring Dominican Republic authorization. The department posted a release about Gomez’s warrant a week before his court appearance, complicating transparency efforts.

D.H.S. attacked DuBose publicly after her ruling, accusing her of releasing a “wanted murderer.” The department labeled her decision “insanity” on social media, amplifying a Fox News report. Judge DuBose condemned the rhetoric as “dangerous” and demanded the statement’s removal, calling it a “basic decent act.” Despite pressure, the D.H.S. post remained live as of Tuesday.

DuBose re-detained Gomez ahead of a bond hearing, citing public safety concerns. She emphasized her ruling would remain unchanged with full information. D.H.S. and Bolan’s office declined to comment, redirecting inquiries to ICE. The dispute highlights tensions between judicial independence and executive branch tactics to pressure critics.