MADISON, Wis. – Yesterday, as reported by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel and other publications, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan apparently attempted to protect a defendant from ICE agents attempting to detain that defendant. Judge Dugan allegedly protected the defendant from detention by giving them sanctuary in her chambers.
Several witnesses report that ICE did not present a warrant before entering the courtroom and it is not clear whether ICE ever possessed or presented a judicial warrant, generally required for agents to access non-public spaces like Judge Dugan’s chambers.
Rep. Ryan Clancy (D-19) issued the following statement:
“I commend Judge Hannah Dugan’s defense of due process by preventing ICE from shamefully using her courtroom as an ad hoc holding area for deportations. We cannot have a functional legal system if people are justifiably afraid to show up for legal proceedings, especially when ICE agents have already repeatedly grabbed people off the street in retaliation for speech and free association, without even obtaining the proper warrants.
While the facts in this case are still unfolding, it’s clear that action like Judge Dugan’s are what is required for democracy to survive the Trump Regime. She used her position of power and privilege to protect someone from an agency that has repeatedly, flagrantly abused its own power. If enough of us act similarly, and strategically, we can stand with our neighbors and build a better world together.”
