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Wisconsin Democracy CampaignDEC 2025
Milwaukee Judge Convicted of Obstructing Federal Agents
Is Judge Dugan's conviction justice for obstructing ICE, or dangerous federal overreach that threatens judicial independence?
Above: Judge Hannah Dugan leaves the Milwaukee Federal Courthouse on May 15, 2025. Image credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Dugan betrayed her oath by obstructing federal immigration enforcement and helping an illegal alien escape from ICE agents. Fellow judges testified she admitted using judicial authority to block federal officers in a public hallway, proving institutional sabotage against law enforcement. This conviction sends a clear message that nobody is above the law.
Establishment-critical narrative
This is dangerous federal overreach. Federal agents intimidating court users and pressuring judges undermines the integrity of the justice system and due process protections. This prosecution raises serious constitutional questions about whether the executive branch crossed lines meant to protect the judiciary from political interference.