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19h ago

Wisconsin Judge Arrest Sparks Judiciary Backlash and DOJ Scrutiny

Judge Hannah Dugan faces federal charges for allegedly aiding an undocumented immigrant, while internal protests and criticism of DOJ conduct escalate.

FBI Director Kash Patel posted a picture on X of Judge Hannah Dugan, the Milwaukee County Circuit judge who was arrested by the FBI on Friday, April 25, and charged in federal court for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant avoid arrest. Portions of the image were obscured in Patel's original post.
Demonstrators protest in front of the federal courthouse where Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan appeared in front of a judge after being arrested by the FBI as she arrived for work at the Milwaukee County Courthouse on April 25, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Overview

  • Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested by the FBI on obstruction and concealment charges for allegedly helping Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant, evade ICE agents in her courthouse.
  • FBI Director Kash Patel's public release of Dugan's perp-walk photo has drawn criticism, with former Attorney General Eric Holder citing a potential violation of DOJ confidentiality policies.
  • Judge Monica Isham has threatened to boycott courtroom duties, citing a lack of support and guidance for judges following Dugan's arrest.
  • Former FBI Deputy Director Andy McCabe acknowledged the legal validity of the charges but criticized the DOJ's handling of Dugan's arrest as unnecessarily harsh and performative.
  • The incident has intensified political divisions, with Democratic lawmakers condemning the arrest as an attack on judicial independence and Republicans highlighting the gravity of Dugan's alleged misconduct.