The U.S. Department of Justice apologized to U.S. District Judge Melissa DuBose for failing to disclose a foreign murder warrant about detainee Bryan Rafael Gomez. The apology followed a DHS press release that called DuBose an 'Activist Biden Judge' for ordering Gomez's release. DOJ clarified that the judge lacked knowledge of the warrant at the time.
On Friday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Bolan filed a one-page explanation apologizing 'sincerely' to Judge Melissa DuBose of the Rhode Island District Court. Bolan stated he relied on ICE's advice not to disclose a 2023 homicide warrant from the Dominican Republic against Bryan Rafael Gomez, the petitioner in a habeas corpus case. He noted that ICE had previously disclosed the information on April 16, 2026, though not to the judge, who then ordered Gomez's release unaware of the warrant's details. 'In failing to disclose the information regarding Petitioner's criminal history, I relied on ICE's representation that I was not permitted to disclose that information,' Bolan wrote. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche was among the lawyers submitting the apology. DOJ issued a separate statement correcting media reports that suggested Judge DuBose knew of the Dominican Republic arrest warrant when she ruled last week to release Gomez. The day before the apology, DHS released a statement headlined 'Activist Biden Judge Releases Violent Criminal Illegal Alien Wanted for Murder.' Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis stated, 'An activist judge appointed by Joe Biden released this wanted murderer back into American communities. This is yet another example of an activist judge trying to thwart President Trump's mandate.' The DHS press release remained online as of Monday afternoon.
