Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan has been arrested by federal agents for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant avoid arrest by ICE inside her courtroom. But this isn’t just about one judge — it’s about a dangerous escalation of federal intimidation tactics in our local courts.

Judge Dugan has a duty to ensure that all proceedings in her courtroom follow the law — including protecting individuals from unlawful or disruptive actions by outside agencies. ICE has a growing track record of arresting immigrants during routine court appearances without respecting legal process, legal counsel, or the authority of local courts. This time, a judge may have pushed back — and now she’s being made an example of.

This is an attack on judicial independence, immigrant rights, and the rule of law itself.

We call on Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, Governor Tony Evers, and Milwaukee County District Attorney John T. Chisholm to immediately ensure that Judge Dugan receives a fair, transparent, and non-politicized review of her actions — and to stand firmly against the use of federal law enforcement to punish local judges for doing their jobs.

If we allow judges to be arrested for defending due process, what kind of justice system are we left with?

[Photo Credit: Milwaukee Independent]