Allegations have surfaced that immigration judges in Ohio have accepted bribes to let migrants stay in the U.S.
Story Snapshot
- Undercover video claims judges in Ohio immigration courts can be bribed.
- Patricia Golder allegedly coaches migrants to fabricate asylum claims.
- Mauritanian migrants reportedly pay $50,000 per favorable ruling.
- The video raises questions about systemic corruption in Lockland, Ohio.
Allegations of Corruption in Ohio Immigration Courts
A video released by Townhall Media depicts Patricia Golder from Lockland, Ohio, claiming she orchestrates schemes to assist Mauritanian migrants in manipulating the U.S. immigration system. Allegedly, Golder coaches migrants to fabricate asylum claims while taking a 30% cut of their earnings. She further asserts that immigration judges can be bribed with $50,000 payments, facilitated through lawyers or direct interactions at bars, to secure favorable rulings that allow migrants to remain in the country.
Shocking Undercover Video Shows Judges in Ohio Immigration Courts Can be Bribed to Keep Illegals in the US https://t.co/kf5VMOgHDQ #gatewaypundit via @gatewaypundit
— Robert Smith (@BigBobDC68) January 22, 2026
These startling claims, recorded before January 20, 2026, have been rapidly disseminated across various media outlets following Townhall’s publication. The footage shows a detailed discussion at Golder’s residence, where she explains the logistics of the bribes. Funds are allegedly pooled from about 40 migrants, each contributing approximately $1,200, and routed through UK-based services to facilitate the payments.
Systemic Vulnerabilities and Historical Context
U.S. immigration courts, part of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), are no strangers to controversy. However, this specific allegation of bribery in Ohio is unprecedented. The narrative underscores systemic vulnerabilities in the asylum process, particularly as migrants from Mauritania navigate a complex and often overwhelmed immigration system. Historical parallels, like the FBI’s Abscam operation, demonstrate the potential impact of undercover stings in exposing corruption.
The influx of Mauritanian migrants to Ohio has reportedly strained local resources, creating fertile ground for exploitation. Golder’s alleged operations provide jobs under the radar and fabricate volunteer roles to meet asylum thresholds. The video suggests a pay-to-play network within the Lockland immigration court, raising concerns about the integrity of the judicial process.
Stakeholders and Potential Consequences
Several key figures and groups are implicated in this unfolding scandal. Patricia Golder stands at the center, allegedly running the scheme and taking a substantial portion of the migrants’ earnings. Cindy Reis, an associate of Golder, introduces the undercover reporter and vouches for Golder’s capabilities. Unnamed immigration judges and lawyers are purportedly complicit, accepting bribes for favorable rulings.
For the migrants, the stakes are high. If the fraud is exposed, they risk deportation, and the Lockland community faces further strain on its resources. The broader implications include an erosion of trust in the judiciary, potential disruptions in the court system, and a push for more stringent oversight and reforms, like those suggested in the Judicial Ethics and Anti-Corruption Act.
Sources:
Exclusive: Bombshell Footage Claims Judges Can Be Bought With Bribes in Ohio Immigration Courts
Breaking: Ohio Woman Bribes Immigration Judges To Help Illegal Aliens Get Papers
Bribery in the Immigration Court
