On Monday, July 7, 2025, the South Bend Tribune reported that St. Joseph County Circuit Court Judge John Broden stepped down from a lawsuit involving the St. Joseph County Police Department.
The lawsuit, filed by the office of Attorney General Todd Rokita on January 24, 2025, claims the county jail has a policy that prevents officers from complying with requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These requests, known as detainers, ask local law enforcement to hold undocumented immigrants after their release from local charges so ICE can take custody.
During a June 18 hearing, the police department’s attorney, Michael Smyth, argued for the case’s dismissal, stating there was no clear evidence of the alleged policy or any violation of the law. The Attorney General’s office, however, asserts the department’s policies also restrict communication with ICE.
Judge Broden initially planned to rule on the dismissal motion by August 18, but recused himself on July 3, citing a potential conflict of interest that could raise concerns about impartiality.
Following his recusal, both parties have until July 10 to agree on a special judge to oversee the case. If no agreement is reached, the circuit court clerk will randomly select a special judge.
Source: South Bend Tribune
