Protests Erupt in Milwaukee as Judge’s Arrest Sparks Outrage Over Immigration Enforcement

MILWAUKEE, WI — April 25, 2025 — Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the federal courthouse in downtown Milwaukee on Friday, chanting “No justice, no peace! Let the judge be released!” as tensions escalated following the arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan. The judge was detained by the FBI on charges of obstructing an immigration arrest operation, prompting swift backlash from community members, elected officials, and civil rights advocates who decried the arrest as a dangerous overreach by the Trump administration.

The protests began shortly after news broke of Dugan’s arrest at the Milwaukee County Courthouse around 8 a.m. The 65-year-old judge, who has served on the bench for nine years, was charged with obstructing a proceeding and concealing an individual to prevent arrest. According to a criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Justice Department, Dugan allegedly allowed Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant, to exit her courtroom through a jury door on April 18, thwarting an attempt by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to detain him. Flores-Ruiz was later apprehended outside the courthouse, but the incident has fueled a broader debate over judicial independence and immigration policy.

Demonstrators, some holding signs reading “Justice 4 All” and “Judge Arrest = Trump Guilt,” condemned the arrest as an attack on the judiciary and a chilling signal to those opposing the administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown. “This isn’t justice,” said local activist Maria Hernandez, addressing the crowd. “It’s a warning shot: obey, or get cuffed.”

FBI Director Kash Patel, appointed by President Donald Trump, defended the arrest, stating on social media that Dugan “intentionally misdirected” federal agents, creating “increased danger to the public.” Patel’s initial post was deleted but later reposted, drawing scrutiny from critics who questioned the transparency of the operation. The Trump administration has increasingly clashed with the judiciary, accusing “activist judges” of undermining executive authority, particularly on immigration enforcement.

Dugan’s attorney, Craig Mastantuono, told the court during a brief federal hearing that the judge “wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest,” arguing it was not in the interest of public safety. Dugan was released on her own recognizance and is scheduled to enter a plea on May 15. If convicted, she faces up to six years in prison.

Democratic lawmakers swiftly condemned the arrest. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) called it a “gravely serious and drastic move” that threatens the separation of powers, stating, “We do not have kings in this country, and we are a democracy governed by laws that everyone must abide by.” Representative Mark Pocan (D-WI) went further, telling Axios, “This is stuff I expect from Third World countries.” Conversely, some Republicans, like Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), praised the arrest, accusing Dugan of sabotaging Trump’s agenda.

The incident has reignited concerns about ICE operations in courthouses, a practice that has drawn criticism for deterring immigrants from participating in judicial proceedings. Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Marisabel Cabrera, in an email to colleagues, raised concerns about a proposed protocol that could facilitate ICE arrests, calling it “problematic.” Community leaders and elected officials have also pointed to a “chilling effect” on judicial participation, with protester Jamal Carter stating, “If a judge can be arrested in her own courtroom, what does that mean for the rest of us?”

Sources: Axios, Reuters, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Chicago Tribune, The Irish Times, AP News

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