Utah Court Clerks Arrested for Aiding Illegal Immigrants
Two court clerks in Utah, described as “self-proclaimed ICE vigilantes,” have been arrested on allegations of aiding illegal immigrants in avoiding arrest by immigration authorities, as stated in court documents.
Lauren Morrow, 26, and Jennifer Joma, 27, were charged recently in Logan City Justice Court with intentionally obstructing an ICE operation, according to the documents reviewed.
In April, upon discovering that ICE agents were at the courthouse to execute a warrant, the women reportedly started checking the court’s database for the immigration status of individuals listed. It seems they wanted to assist those potentially at risk.
They allegedly helped a Guatemalan national escape from a back room in the courthouse. Upon returning, they seemed to revel in their actions, according to the reports. Morrow even reportedly waved at a surveillance camera and made an inappropriate gesture.
The two clerks continued their search in the records and identified non-citizens whom ICE aimed to arrest. They are said to have intercepted a target and a Mexican woman, smuggling them out through a back room.
Interestingly, during this time, a judge entered his office and left the door open, which obstructed his view. Another clerk, whose name isn’t provided, then closed the door.
Joma is reported to have driven away from the courthouse with the three migrants before returning alone. When questioned about their whereabouts, Morrow chose not to respond, according to the documents.
Both women face charges including conspiracy to transport and conceal illegal immigrants and obstructing a homeland security proceeding, with a potential prison sentence of up to 25 years.
Joma, in addition to her charges, was also penalized for transporting illegal immigrants, receiving a five-year prison sentence.
John Huber, a former federal prosecutor in Utah, remarked that this is the first case of such conspiracy he has encountered in the state. He noted the heightened sensitivity surrounding immigration enforcement and emphasized that federal authorities take such conduct very seriously. Huber suggested that this situation serves as a stark reminder of the severity of federal felonies.
