Article by Joan Rosen
WHAT HAPPENED?
Judge Hannah Dugan helped Eduardo Flores-Ruiz evade federal agents (ICE) at the Milwaukee County Circuit Court courthouse in April 18, 2025. Several days later Judge Dugan was arrested by federal agents. The Wisconsin Supreme Court temporarily suspended Judge Dugan, because two federal charges have been filed against her.
- She was set to appear in court for arraignment May 15, 2025.
WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?
This is an attempt by the Trump administration to intimidate and humiliate a judge and by extension to put a chill on the judiciary.
ACTIONS THAT ARE BEING TAKEN
- Because of Dugan's arrests, Democrats have charged that the Trump administration wants to suppress the judiciary.
- Demonstrators gathered outside the FBI's Milwaukee field office Saturday May 3rd, 2025 to protest her arrest.
- Former federal judge Nancy Gertner and J. Michael Luttig, a former assistant attorney general and federal judge, led a group of judges who signed a letter opposing the federal actions. The letter states that the intent of the arrest of Judge Dugan was to intimidate and threaten State and Federal judges. The intent was to destroy our trust in the Judiciary and to destroy the rule of law.
- On social media last month, Kash Patel, the F.B.I. director, posted a picture of Judge Dugan in handcuffs, a move that the group of judges called “an embarrassing spectacle” that violated Justice Department policy.
CALL TO ACTION:
1. Support former federal judge Nancy Gertner, J. Michael Luttig, a former assistant attorney general and federal judge, and a group of judges who signed a letter opposing the federal actions. The letter states that the intent of the arrest of Judge Dugan was to intimidate and threaten State and Federal judges. The intent was to destroy our trust in the Judiciary and to destroy the rule of law.
2. Stand by Democracy Defenders started by Norm Eisen. Democracy Defenders supported the letter.
3. Stand by the Society for the Rule of Law Institute, which supported the letter. Society for the Rule of Law Institute was founded by Conservative and Libertarian lawyers and judges.
4. Track and support Judge Hannah Dugan who stood up to ICE.