MILWAUKEE, Wis. – A Milwaukee judge was arrested Friday by the FBI on accusations of aiding a man in evading immigration authorities. This arrest amplifies the ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and local officials concerning the president’s strict immigration policies. Judge Hannah Dugan of Milwaukee County Circuit Court is alleged to have escorted the man and his attorney out of her courtroom through a jury door after being informed that immigration authorities were attempting to arrest him.
President Donald Trump’s administration has consistently criticized state and local officials for interfering with immigration enforcement priorities. The arrest of Judge Dugan also highlights the intensifying battle between the administration and the federal judiciary regarding the president’s executive actions on deportation and related matters.
Following the arrest, Democratic Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers accused the Trump administration of using dangerous rhetoric to undermine the judiciary. Evers expressed his unwavering support for the rule of law, impartial judicial decision-making, and law enforcement efforts to hold individuals accountable for any criminal acts.
According to U.S. Marshals Service spokesperson Brady McCarron, Judge Dugan was taken into custody on the courthouse premises and subsequently appeared in federal court in Milwaukee before being released. She is facing charges of concealing an individual to prevent arrest and obstructing a legal proceeding.
During the hearing, Judge Dugan’s attorney, Craig Mastantuono, stated that she regrets and protests her arrest, emphasizing that it was not in the interest of public safety. Court documents indicate that Dugan was alerted to the presence of immigration agents by her clerk, leading to a confrontation with the arrest team inside the courthouse.
The case involving Judge Dugan bears resemblance to a similar incident during the first Trump administration. Prosecutors dropped the case against a Massachusetts judge accused of aiding a man to evade immigration officials, sparking outrage within the legal community. The Justice Department has signaled its intention to pursue local officials who impede federal immigration efforts, citing potential criminal charges for obstruction.
Judge Dugan, elected to the county court in 2016, has a background in civil and probate law. Before her time in public office, she worked at Legal Action of Wisconsin and the Legal Aid Society. The situation surrounding her arrest is expected to unfold in the legal system, eliciting reactions from various political figures and legal experts.