Protests Erupt Over the Arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan in Milwaukee
In a significant display of civil dissent, hundreds of protesters gathered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s largest city, on Saturday in response to the recent arrest of Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan. The judge was apprehended by federal authorities, prompting criticism for what many label as “baseless” charges of felony obstruction related to her actions in the courtroom.
Details of the Arrest
Judge Dugan, 65, was taken into custody by FBI agents on Friday after an investigation revealed she allegedly assisted an undocumented immigrant facing arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a court hearing. Reports indicate that she helped guide the individual and their attorney through a jury door after becoming aware of ICE’s presence.
Public Response and Rallies
The protests featured chants such as “No ICE, No KKK, No Fascist USA!” and “No Hate, No Fear, Immigrants Are Welcome Here!” Activists carried signs bearing messages like “Liberty and Justice for All” along with calls to “Resist Fascism!” Many demonstrators viewed Dugan’s arrest as an infringement on judicial independence and an attack on immigrants.
Statements from Attendees
Among the speakers, Sara Dady, an immigration lawyer who traveled from Rockford, Illinois, remarked, “I have never heard of a state court judge being arrested by the federal government because she chose to control her own courtroom. This is unprecedented.”
Wisconsin State Representative Ryan Clancy (D-19) addressed the crowd, asserting, “The judiciary acts as a check to unchecked executive power. And functioning democracies do not lock up judges.” He further urged those present to emulate Judge Dugan’s bravery.
Viewpoints on Judicial Independence
Janan Najeeb, a leader from the Wisconsin Coalition for Justice in Palestine, conveyed that the courtroom should serve as a safe space for all individuals, emphasizing, “When our government turns our courtrooms into traps, they are betraying the very laws that they claim to defend.”
Angelica Salas, director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, accused the Trump administration of authoritarianism, stating, “We reject this lawless escalation against an immigration judge who appears to be showing a commonsense and humane approach to immigrants.”
Criticism of Federal Actions
Critics of Dugan’s arrest argue it reflects broader issues within the Trump administration’s approach to immigration policy and adherence to constitutional principles. Ryan Cooper, managing editor of The American Prospect, underscored a pattern of disregard for due process, citing past deportations of legal residents and ongoing efforts to undermine the judiciary.
Judicial Reactions
Among those supporting Judge Dugan is Wisconsin Circuit Judge Monica Isham, who expressed her discontent with the current administration in an email to fellow judges. “I no longer feel protected or respected as a judge… If there is no guidance for us… I will refuse to hold court,” she wrote, emphasizing her commitment to ensuring due process within her courtroom.
She concluded her statement by asserting, “If this costs me my job or gets me arrested, then at least I know I did the right thing.”
Conclusion
The arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan has ignited a wave of protests and discussions around the themes of judicial independence and immigration policy. As activists and legal professionals demand accountability and maintain their calls for justice, the situation continues to unfold, reflecting deeper tensions within the current political climate.
