A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Marshals Service to locate Ivanka Trump after she failed to comply with a court-mandated deadline to surrender and begin serving a federal prison sentence.

The dramatic escalation follows her recent conviction on charges of financial fraud and obstruction of justice stemming from business dealings that prosecutors argued involved deliberate misrepresentation and concealment of key financial records.

Judge Eleanor Hayes convened an emergency hearing after confirming that Ivanka Trump had not reported to the designated federal facility by the court’s specified date.

During the session, the judge determined there was probable cause to believe she was actively evading custody.

The court subsequently authorized federal marshals to take immediate steps to locate and detain her.

Subpoenas were also issued for private aviation records, and authorities reportedly made inquiries at several Trump-affiliated properties.

The judge’s order marks one of the most consequential legal developments involving a member of the Trump family in recent years.

Prosecutors had previously warned the court that Ivanka Trump presented a potential flight risk due to her international business connections and access to private transportation.

Her legal team had argued that she was pursuing post-trial motions and considering appellate options, maintaining that she posed no danger to the public and had cooperated throughout the proceedings.

However, the court emphasized that filing an appeal does not automatically stay a sentence unless specific conditions are met.

The underlying conviction centered on allegations that Ivanka Trump misrepresented asset valuations and obstructed federal investigators during inquiries into her company’s financial practices.

Jurors reportedly concluded that certain documents were intentionally withheld and that testimony provided during the investigation was materially misleading.

Defense attorneys have characterized the prosecution as politically motivated, suggesting that her last name amplified scrutiny and intensified the government’s pursuit of charges.

Federal prosecutors have rejected that claim, stating that the evidence presented at trial met the standard required for conviction beyond a reasonable doubt.

Complicating the situation further is the involvement of Melania Trump, who was subpoenaed to provide testimony related to Ivanka’s character and internal family communications.

According to court transcripts, Melania Trump declined to offer supportive character testimony and instead provided limited, carefully worded responses during her deposition.

Legal analysts say her testimony, described by observers as restrained and distant, may have inadvertently bolstered the prosecution’s narrative.

Melania reportedly described her relationship with Ivanka as “professional,” a characterization that underscored longstanding speculation about tension within the Trump family dynamic.

Her refusal to advocate for leniency has been interpreted by some experts as a strategic decision to distance herself from potential legal exposure.

Others argue that it reflects a broader effort to shield herself and her son from entanglement in escalating legal controversies.

Donald Trump responded publicly to the judge’s order through social media posts criticizing the judiciary and alleging systemic bias.

In his statements, he framed the enforcement action as part of a broader campaign of political persecution targeting his family.

Notably, his posts did not directly address the specific findings cited in the court’s opinion.

Meanwhile, reports surfaced that Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump’s husband, was seen boarding a private jet shortly before authorities intensified their search efforts.

Flight records subpoenaed by the court are expected to clarify whether Ivanka Trump attempted to leave U.S. jurisdiction.

Kushner has since returned to the United States and is expected to cooperate voluntarily with investigators.

His legal representatives have stated that he has not been charged with any wrongdoing and intends to answer questions as requested.

The Secret Service director is also scheduled to testify in an upcoming hearing regarding Ivanka Trump’s protection status and any knowledge of her whereabouts.

Legal experts note that fleeing from a federal sentence can significantly complicate any future appeals or sentence reduction efforts.

Former U.S. Marshals have commented that once a fugitive warrant is effectively in place, efforts to locate and apprehend the individual continue relentlessly.

They emphasize that high-profile status does not exempt anyone from enforcement procedures.

The case has reignited debate over whether wealthy or politically connected individuals receive differential treatment within the justice system.

Critics argue that ordinary defendants who miss surrender deadlines are swiftly detained without the extended public spectacle.

Supporters of the Trump family counter that the visibility of the case proves the system is holding even prominent figures accountable.

A hearing scheduled for February 10 will address Ivanka Trump’s fugitive status and examine whether additional charges, including potential aiding and abetting, are warranted.

Prosecutors have indicated that each hour she remains at large could influence sentencing considerations.

Legal scholars describe the unfolding situation as a real-time stress test of judicial authority and enforcement capacity.

Financial markets have also reacted, with shares of Trump Media and Technology Group experiencing volatility amid heightened uncertainty.

Investors appear concerned about reputational risks and the broader political ramifications tied to ongoing litigation.

Republican leaders have offered muted responses, with some distancing themselves from the controversy ahead of upcoming midterm elections.

Democratic lawmakers have cited the case as evidence of the necessity of judicial independence and equal application of the law.

As of February 8, Ivanka Trump has made no public appearances and her legal team has declined to disclose her location.

Her attorneys maintain that she remains committed to resolving the matter within the bounds of the legal system.

The court, however, has signaled diminishing patience with procedural delays.

Judge Hayes concluded the emergency session by reiterating that compliance with lawful orders is not optional.

The deployment of U.S. Marshals underscores the seriousness of the enforcement action and the federal government’s determination to uphold the sentence imposed.

For the Trump family, the episode represents another chapter in a series of high-stakes legal confrontations.

For the broader public, it presents a stark illustration of the tension between political power, personal loyalty, and the rule of law.

The coming days are expected to determine whether Ivanka Trump will surrender voluntarily or face apprehension by federal authorities.

Either outcome is likely to shape both the legal trajectory of her case and the political narrative surrounding one of America’s most scrutinized families.