A routine day in court in Utah sparked a federal criminal case after two former court clerks were accused of helping several illegal aliens evade immigration officers who were waiting to arrest them.Jennifer Guma, 27, and Lauren Kelsey Morrow, 26, both of Logan, Utah, were arrested earlier this month. The couple faces multiple federal charges linked to allegations that they helped illegal aliens avoid arrest by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).The incident occurred April 9 in Logan City Municipal Justice Court. An ICE officer arrived at court to arrest an illegal alien who was attending a court hearing.
The officer had an administrative warrant and waited outside the building in his car for the person to leave before executing the arrest.After learning of the existence of ICE, Juma and Moro identify the agency’s intended target. The clerks used court records to verify the immigration status of people scheduled to appear in court that day.After identifying several non-US citizens, the two men intercepted them before they left the courtroom through the main entrance.
They then escorted them through secure areas of the building, down hallways and out a back exit, allowing them to leave without being seen by ICE officers.After helping someone out the back door, the two women were captured on surveillance footage interacting with the camera. Moreau made an obscene gesture as the two women smiled and waved at the camera.
During a second trip, Juma drove away from the courthouse with three illegal aliens in her car before returning alone to continue her shift.Both Guma and Moro were charged with conspiracy to transport and harbor illegal aliens, harboring illegal aliens, and obstructing proceedings before federal departments and agencies. Juma faces an additional charge of transporting illegal aliens.They are scheduled to make their first appearance in court on June 11.
