Rhode Island judge refers Justice Department lawyer for possible discipline over withheld warrant

A federal judge in Rhode Island has referred a Justice Department lawyer for possible discipline after officials withheld an overseas arrest warrant from the court in an immigration-related case.

The judge said the government had shown a lack of candor in the proceedings.

According to the supplied material, officials did not disclose the warrant when the case was before her.

After the judge ordered the detainee released, officials used the same information to attack her publicly.

The referral raises the prospect of professional consequences for the lawyer involved.

The case matters because it centres on the duty of candour expected in federal court, particularly in a matter involving detention and release.

It also adds to scrutiny of how government lawyers present information to judges in sensitive immigration cases.

The incident is taking place in Rhode Island and involves the Justice Department and a federal judge.

The supplied material does not identify the detainee or give further details about the overseas warrant.

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