Full Breakdown
Rhode Island Judge Refers Trump Administration Lawyer for Investigation Over Withheld Information
5/6/2026, 5:16:42 AM
Judicial Referral of Attorney Kevin M. Bolan
On May 5, 2026, U.S. District Judge Melissa R. DuBose announced a referral of Kevin M. Bolan, chief of the civil division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Rhode Island, to a disciplinary investigation. Bolan admitted he failed to disclose that an immigrant detainee, who had petitioned for release, faced an outstanding murder charge in the Dominican Republic—a fact the judge was unaware of when she ordered the release.
Background: DHS Conflict
The Department of Homeland Security publicly criticized Judge DuBose after she ordered the detainee’s release, arguing the decision ignored the alleged murder charge. Bolan later testified that DHS instructed him not to inform the court of the international charge, prompting the judge to consider sanctions against the agency.
Key Figures
- Judge Melissa R. DuBose – U.S. District Judge for Rhode Island.
- Kevin M. Bolan – Civil division chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Rhode Island.
- Department of Homeland Security – Federal agency overseeing the immigration case.
- Natalie Baldassarre – Justice Department spokeswoman who referred inquiries to DHS.
Official Statements & Responses
Judge DuBose said the court must address the lack of candor in the attorney’s disclosures. Justice Department spokeswoman Natalie Baldassarre declined to comment, referring questions to DHS, which has not responded. DHS’s public remarks defended the release decision but offered no quoted statements.
Criticism & Opposition
DHS’s attack on Judge DuBose challenges judicial authority, claiming the release order ignored the alleged murder charge. Bolan’s admission of nondisclosure and his apology highlight internal disagreement over case handling.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The judge was unaware of the murder charge, while Bolan says DHS instructed him to withhold it. DHS has not responded to the court or the Justice Department, leaving a factual gap.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s the candor and the lack of candor to this court that has to be addressed,” — Judge Melissa R. DuBose
- “And it has to be fully investigated, so we don’t have anything like this happen again.” — Judge Melissa R. DuBose
Implications for Oversight
The referral could result in reprimand, fines, or disbarment for Bolan. The judge’s discussion of sanctions against DHS highlights the potential for holding agencies accountable when they impede court processes. The matter raises questions about handling agency-directed nondisclosure in immigration cases.
Broader Significance
The case illustrates friction between immigration enforcement agencies and the judiciary when information is withheld, and it highlights the mechanisms for attorney discipline and agency accountability within the federal system.
What’s Next
The referral will proceed under Rhode Island’s local disciplinary rules. A hearing may be set before a single judge or the full bench, with outcomes ranging from private reprimand to disbarment. DHS’s pending response could affect any sanctions imposed.
