Judge Convicted of Blocking ICE Agents Resigns, Vows Appeal

A Milwaukee County judge has resigned after being found guilty of a federal crime. Judge Shelley Gaylord was convicted for obstructing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The charges stem from a 2022 incident. Prosecutors said Judge Gaylord used her position to delay ICE agents who were in her courtroom. The agents were there to take a defendant into immigration custody. In her resignation letter, Gaylord stated she is stepping down to fight the conviction. She maintains her innocence and plans to appeal the verdict. An appeal is a legal request for a higher court to review the decision. The case highlights ongoing tensions between some local officials and federal immigration authorities. ICE enforces national immigration laws. The judge's actions were seen as interfering with that duty. Gaylord's legal battle continues despite her resignation from the bench.