US judge frees murder suspect despite Interpol Red Notice secrecy
A US judge has ordered the release of Bryan Rafael Gomez, a 27-year-old man wanted for murder in the Dominican Republic. District Court Judge Melissa DuBose ruled that his detention was unlawful, despite authorities knowing he was an international fugitive with an Interpol Red Notice against him. Gomez was arrested in the US on assault and battery charges. He was married to a US citizen and had an asylum hearing scheduled before his release. However, neither Judge DuBose nor the defence were informed of his wanted status for a murder case abroad.
During proceedings, Assistant US Attorney Kevin Bolan admitted that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had instructed him not to disclose Gomez’s fugitive status. DuBose criticised the government’s failure to provide this information and set a Monday hearing to demand an explanation. Acting DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis later condemned DuBose, calling her an 'activist judge'. Despite the criticism, Gomez was released on $500 bail following the court’s decision.
Gomez remains free on bail while awaiting his asylum hearing. The government must now justify its withholding of key information at the upcoming show-cause hearing. The case has raised questions about communication between immigration authorities and the courts.
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