Two former Utah state court clerks have been arrested on federal charges for allegedly helping an undocumented individual evade a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrest at the Logan City Municipal Justice Court in April.
Details of federal indictment
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Utah, Jennifer Joma, 27, and Lauren Kelsey Morrow, 26, were indicted on June 3, 2026. The federal indictment alleges that during their time working at the Logan City Municipal Justice Court, the pair took steps to identify an ICE target by misuscng court databases to check the citizenship status of individuals on the court docket.
Methods used to evade ICE
Court documents allege that on April 9, 2026, after learning an ICE Enforcement and Removal Officer was at the courthouse to execute an administrative warrant, Joma and Morrow intercepted several non-U.S. citizens. The clerks allegedly led these individuals through secure areas and hallways to help them exit through a back door to avoid detection by the officer.
Surveillance and escape attempt details
The indictment further alleges that during the first escape attempt, Morrow and Joma were seen on surveillance cameras waving and smiling at the camera, with Morrow making an obscene gesture. During a second instance, federal prosecutors allege Joma drove three undocumented individuals away from the courthouse in her vehicle before returning to work alone.
Specific criminal charges faced
Joma and Morrow face charges including conspiracy to transport and harbor illegal aliens, harboring illegal aliens, and obstruction of proceedings before departments and agencies. Joma faces an additional charge of transporting illegal aliens.
Investigation and DOJ initiative
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations. The U.S. Attorney's Office noted that the case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative.
