Wisconsin judge threatens to boycott courtroom over Hannah Dugan arrest

A recent incident in Wisconsin has sparked controversy and tension among judges in the state. Last week, Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested by federal authorities, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), on charges of obstructing an official proceeding and concealing an individual to prevent discovery and arrest. In response to Dugan’s arrest, Judge Monica Isham sent an email to judges across the state threatening not to hold court in protest of federal authorities.

In her email titled “Guidance Requested or I Refuse to Hold Court,” Judge Isham expressed her refusal to work with ICE and stated that she would not allow anyone to be taken out of her courtroom by ICE and sent to a concentration camp without due process. She emphasized her commitment to upholding both the federal and state constitutions, even if it meant risking her job or arrest.

Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Harmeet Dhillon, criticized Judge Isham’s ultimatum, calling it “problematic.” The situation has raised concerns about the role of judges in immigration enforcement and the balance between upholding the law and protecting individuals’ rights.

The incident involving Judge Dugan stemmed from her actions during a court appearance by Mexican national Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who was facing misdemeanor battery charges. Federal agents from various agencies attempted to arrest Flores-Ruiz after his court appearance, but Judge Dugan reportedly assisted him in avoiding arrest by escorting him out through a restricted door, bypassing the waiting agents.

Judge Dugan’s background includes working with legal aid organizations and serving as the executive director of Catholic Charities. She was elected to Branch 31 of the Circuit Court in 2016 and ran unopposed in the 2022 election. Her arrest has raised questions about judicial ethics and the boundaries of judges’ responsibilities in criminal cases.

The situation in Wisconsin highlights the complex issues surrounding immigration enforcement and judicial independence. As judges grapple with their role in upholding the law while protecting individual rights, the controversy surrounding Judge Dugan’s arrest and Judge Isham’s protest underscores the challenges faced by the judiciary in navigating these sensitive issues.